Holy Week Guide: Visita Iglesia in Albay

During Holy Week and the Visita Iglesia, the Province of Albay is one of the places in the country that gets the spotlight because of the fact that several of the country's most beautiful churches are located here.

As a result of its many historic churches situated close to one another, Albay is an ideal location for Visita Iglesia. The Cagsawa Church is a well-known landmark in Albay, where it is only one of several noteworthy religious structures. The Mayon Volcano eruption in 1814 destroyed the structure, which had been constructed in 1587. People visiting Albay for Holy Week and the Visita Iglesia now flock to the Cagsawa Ruins.

But this is just one of the captivating churches that you can encounter when you visit Albay this Holy Week. As it happens, you may go to Albay with your family and friends to contemplate and enjoy a religious journey.

All in all, whether you're up for an adventure or simply want to reflect the Province of Albay is one of the perfect spots for your out of town vacation this Holy Week.

Below are some of the churches in Albay that you can include in your Visita Iglesia itineraries this Lenten season:

St. John the Baptist Church (Tabaco City)

St. John the Baptist Church is located in the center of the city. The original structure of this church dates back to 1616, although it was completely rebuilt in 1864. Because of the Masonic emblems and marks, it is one of the most well-known churches in the Philippine archdiocese. If truth be told, it is even widely thought that the Masons who built the blocks left their initials etched on the walls of the building.

It's also interesting to note that in the belfry of the cathedral is a sculpture that looks like a datu, next to a depiction of King Juan Carlos II. People in Albay believe that this sculpture represents the Spaniards' admiration for the pre-Hispanic authority of the region.

While in Albay for Holy Week and Visita Iglesia, be sure to include in your itinerary and not to miss the majestic St. John the Baptist Church, which has gorgeous architecture and an intriguing colorful history.

St. John the Baptist Church can be found on National Highway, Tabaco City, Albay.

Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church (Daraga)

In order to venerate Our Lady of the Gate, the Franciscan priests of the Order of St. Francis built the Daraga Church.

Mayon Volcano's explosion decimated most of the church's volcanic stone building, which was erected in a Baroque-Rococo style with a Spanish influence before the belfry and convent were completed on the opposite side.

After the Mayon Volcano explosion, it became a place of worship for Cagsawa's religious community and, later, a military command center for the Japanese during World War II. Since then, the Church of Daraga has stood the test of time, retaining its original splendor.

In 2007, the National Museum of the Philippines designated the church's eastern and western facades, belfry, and baptistry as a National Cultural Treasure.

Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church is perched on top of a hill where you can see the Mayon Volcano in the distance. In addition to offering a serene setting, a picturesque view, and a fascinating historical context, this church is an ideal last stop for your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay pilgrimage.

Our Lady of the Gate Church is located at Sta. Maria Street, Daraga, Albay.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Church (Tiwi)

For more than a century after it was built in 1829, this lovely church has been rebuilt by parish priests. The San Lorenzo Church is dedicated to St. Lawrence, the martyr and patron saint of those in need. It is a well-known tourist attraction in the province of Tiwi, Albay and can be found just across the street from the town hall.

A visit to the San Lorenzo Church is a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones during your Visita Iglesia, thanks to the church's modest but appealing facade.

The San Lorenzo Church is located in Tiwi, Albay.

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral (Legazpi City)

Locally, the Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno and Albay Cathedral are the names given to the church dedicated to St. Gregory the Great. It's one of Legazpi's largest and most historic Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines.

When the Mayon Volcano erupted, St. Gregory the Great Church was burnt and wrecked to the ground. It was only after Pedro Romero's reconstruction in 1834 and the establishment of the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of Legazpi in 1951 that the structure was converted to a cathedral.

With its semicircular arches, the church's main entrance is a renowned tourist destination in the Philippines since the Mayon Volcano can be well viewed.

St. Gregory the Great Church is located at Rizal St., Old Albay District 4500 Legazpi, Albay.

St. Dominic de Guzman Church (Santo Domingo)

The St. Dominic de Guzman Church in Albay is another excellent choice for your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia itineraries.

Located in the city of Sto. Domingo, the parish church of St. Dominic is one of the most prominent structures in the region. In the Bicol dialect, "Libog" means "roundabout," and it was renamed to honor its patron saint in 1959, a year after it was built.

Both of the bell towers of the Sto. Domingo Church are fashioned like domes, and they are composed of massive stones and a combination of egg albumin, lime, and molasses.

During your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay, make sure to pay a visit to the St. Dominic de Guzman Church, which has a beautiful blend of old and new architecture-- making it a perfect spot for your spiritual journey with the whole family or friends.

St. Dominic de Guzman Church is located at San Isidro Road, Santo Domingo, Albay.

Our Lady of Assumption Parish (Guinobatan)

Albay's history would be incomplete and poorer without the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, despite the fact that it no longer resembles its ancient predecessor. In fact, the original Guinobatan Church was built in the late 1600s, but the present construction dates back to 1906, when it was last completely reconstructed.

In 1678, Don Francisco Bagamasbad, leader of the "Tenientes Absolutos," sponsored attempts to increase Guinobatan's status from a visita to an autonomous town, which were successful in 1688. A short time later, a church dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption was constructed.

Throughout its history, Guinobatan Church has been ravaged by natural disasters including typhoons and Mayon volcanoes, as well as wars like the Revolutionary and Philippine-American Wars.

Missionaries from the Franciscan order directed the relocation of the settlement on the banks of the San Francisco River. To better accommodate the growing congregation, a new church was built. Volcanic stones fell on the town around 1800, but construction on a new church continued notwithstanding.

Bell tower bells were replaced two years later. To this day, the present church in which these bells ring continues to utilize them. The church was destroyed again by fire in 1806 while it was still under construction.

The burning of Colegio de San Buenaventura and other important structures in Albay's town center by General Jose Ignacio Pua's bugler, Captain Mesias, occurred at the commencement of the Filipino-American conflict. In a sad twist of fate, the church was also set on fire.

Msgr. Julian Ojeda Ope, the first Guinobateo priest, and his family helped build a new church from the ruins of the old on December 8, 1906, using their own resources and labor.

The Our Lady of the Assumption Parish is located at Pan-Philippine Hwy, Brgy. Poblacion, Guinobatan, 4503 Albay.

​Saint Michael the Archangel Church (Oas)

Fray Baltazar de los Reyes y Miranda of the Order of Friar Minors (OFM) started evangelization in what is now the municipality of Oas in 1569. People started to gather and worship in this chapel that Fr. de los Reyes had constructed.

In 1586, a wooden church was erected under the leadership of Fray Geronimo de Aguilar, OFM. St. Michael the Archangel, who would go on to be the town's patron saint, was given the honor of protecting it. Meanwhile, Fray Geronimo was given the honor as Oas's founder.

But Oas' St. Michael the Archangel Parish was not established until 1605, under the supervision of the Franciscan missionaries who were stationed in the area. It was founded by Fray Marcos de Lisboa, the first priest of the church.

Beginning in 1695, the wooden church was converted to masonry by Fr. Francisco de la Anunciacion y Pearanda, OFM. Stone foundations and a monastery were erected by him as well. Following on from the efforts is Fray Francisco Aragoneses, OFM, who began in 1816. With the help of volcanic rocks and bricks, a new church was erected in 1825. 1848 was a busy year for the construction of the structures while Fray Manuel Brihuega, OFM, completed the work.

It was only in 1825 that the first Oas Church, which was constructed of more durable materials but was destroyed by the storm and volcanic eruption that devastated the town, was completed. An early 19th-century construction may still be visible within this church complex's compound of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Albay's Oas. This renovated church building was inaugurated in 1997.

Historic buildings including the church, baptismal font, and rector's residence preserve colonial-era craftsmanship and serve as tourist attractions in the church these days. Visitors can also still read the words engraved into the baptismal font's artistically wrought carvings. The antique picture of St. Michael on the wall of old bricks within the old rectory is a beauty as well.

Fortunately, the belfry that had adorned the early church has been preserved. Despite the fact that it was built with massive stone slabs that were so precisely set out that not even a tiny blade could get through them, it is today as sturdy as it was when it was originally built.

St. Michael the Archangel Church is located at Iraya Norte Oas,Albay, 4505.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church (Malilipot)

Started in 1851 and finished in 1877, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. However, this church is not located near the town's municipal hall, as is the case with the others. Malilipot, on the other hand, is a tiny town, making it simple to find. Tourists go to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church because it offers a stunning view of the Mayon Volcano and a contemporary interior.

After completing the stations of the cross in the church, you may snap photographs outdoors and absorb the grandeur of the site and the breathtaking view of the volcano.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church is located in Malilipot, Albay.

Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church (Polangui)

Built in 1664, the current Church of Saints Peter and Paul includes a monastery, place of worship, and a school. Despite the extensive modifications, much of the building's original bricks and stone walls can still be seen throughout the structure. The bell tower erected by Fray Juan Bautista Marza is still in use today.

Fray Marza oversaw the construction of the Polangui Church in 1664, and it was shortly followed by a monastery, a casa real, and a schoolhouse. Saints Peter and Paul were also entrusted with the care of the parish.

This church's current appearance is somewhat different from what it used to be because of the repairs and upgrades made to address damage caused by natural disasters and general wear and tear. It was also harmed by the carelessness of both parishioners and church officials.

Despite the passage of time and the effects of Mother Nature, much of the church's historic splendor has been preserved. Stone and brick walls from the 17th century may still be discovered in the northern portion of the church property.

Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church is located at Centro Occidental, Del Rosario, Polangui, 4506 Albay.

The Province of Albay is truly full of historical and beautifully renovated church buildings that make it a perfect spot for devotees this coming Visita Iglesia. But aside from these captivating churches, Albay is also known for its delicious local dishes and delicacies such as pili nuts, pinangat, sili ice cream, and bicol express. You can also discover their other sumptuous cuisines upon your visit to this culturally rich province.

Tourists and excursionists from Manila won't have a hassle in visiting the Bicol region these days including Albay because of the newly built Bicol International Airport. Apart from this, other infrastructures that will shorten your travel time in the Province of Albay are the Legazpi City Coastal Road, Albay-Sorsogon Connector, and the Cagraray Island Circumferential Road.

Want to explore more the Bicol region? This can be possible and much easier if you are a resident of the province or have a vacation home here.

Thankfully, Lumina Homes is offering brand new house and lot packages in Albay that can be paid via flexible payment scheme through Lumina Legazpi. You can now invest your own home or a vacation house in Albay through bank financing and freely enjoy out of town getaway with the numerous travel attractions and appetizing dishes the province has to offer.

For more details about Lumina Legazpi, you can go to our office in Legazpi City Albay or visit the Lumina Homes official website.