Dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, it is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of San Fernando de La Union.

In 1599, the convent of Bacnotan was asked to pay annual rent to the Augustinian Monastery in Manila.

In 1686, Bacnotan was separated from Bauang with Father Ignacio de Barrenechea as vicar-prior.

[2] The first or second church of Bacnotan was built under the supervision of Father Juan Zugasti; it was completed from 1817 to 1819.

It has a massive bell tower on its facade along with overcrowded columns, and rectangular and vertical movements reminiscent of neoclassical style.