Visita Iglesia in Albay, Philippines – 7 Church in 7 Days Itinerary
Albay is a province of the Philippines situated in the Bicol Region in Luzon that is known for its wonderful beaches, breathtaking views, and amazing churches. These are the reasons why people celebrate their Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay. People also flock to this place to get a glimpse of the Mayon Volcano which is considered as the world’s most perfectly formed volcano.
Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay involves some of the finest churches in the country. Albay is the perfect spot for Visita Iglesia because its churches are centuries old and are adjacent to one another. One of the famous churches in Albay is the Cagsawa Church. It was built in 1587 but has been destroyed during the eruption of the Mayon Volcano in 1814. Since then, the Cagsawa Ruins has become one of the most popular destinations for people celebrating their Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay.
Whether you’re in for an adventure or you just want to reflect and experience a religious trip with your family and friends, Albay is the place to visit.
For your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay, we have listed some of the best churches that you can go to.
Table of Contents
1. San Lorenzo Church in Tiwi in Albay, Philippines
What makes it one of the best churches in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?
Start your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay by visiting the San Lorenzo Church in Tiwi. This beautiful church was established in 1829, and has been reconstructed in the following years by parish priests. San Lorenzo Church honors St. Lawrence, the martyr and patron saint of the poor. It is located just across the municipal hall of Tiwi, Albay, and is considered to be one of the most well-established tourist destinations in the area.
With its simple yet charming exterior, the San Lorenzo Church is the perfect place to spend a solemn Visita Iglesia with your loved ones.
Location: Tiwi, Albay
2. St. John the Baptist Church in Tabaco City in Albay, Philippines
What makes it one of the best churches in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?
Head next to Tabaco City for your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay. Located at the heart of the city is the magnificent St. John the Baptist Church. This church was built in 1616 and was reconstructed in 1864. It is one of the most famous churches in the Philippines because it is filled with symbols and markings of the Masons. Etched upon the walls of the church are initials believed to be the names of the Masons who created the blocks.
Another mysterious feature is the carving in the belfry of a person who looks like a datu, side by side with the likeness of the King of Spain. According to the people in Albay, this sculpture might symbolize the Spaniards’ high regard toward the local pre-Hispanic government.
With its stunning architecture and interesting historical background, St. John the Baptist Church is definitely one of the churches that you shouldn’t miss during your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay.
Location: Tabaco City, Albay
3. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church in Malilipot in Albay, Philippines
What makes it one of the best churches in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?
Make Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church in Malilipot your next stop in your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church is a Roman Catholic church that was started in 1851 and completed in 1877. Unlike the other churches, this church is not situated near the town’s municipal hall. However, it is easy to locate because Malilipot is just a small town. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church is loved by tourists because it has a good view of the Mayon Volcano and has a modern interior.
Upon finishing your stations of the cross inside the church, you can take pictures outside and admire the beauty of the place and the picturesque view of the volcano.
Location: Malilipot, Albay
4. St. Dominic de Guzman Church in Sto. Domingo in Albay, Philippines
What makes it one of the best churches in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?
Another commendable church for your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay is the St. Dominic de Guzman Church in Sto. Domingo. St. Dominic Church is the parish church in Sto. Domingo and is one of the most famous landmarks in the area. It was formerly known as “Libog” meaning “roundabout” in the Bicol dialect, and was renamed to its patron saint in 1959.
The Sto. Domingo Church has two dome-shaped belfries framing the main structure, and is made from huge stones and a mixture of egg albumin, lime and molasses.
If you love looking at churches with ancient architecture, St. Dominic de Guzman Church should definitely be included in your list of spiritual spots to visit in your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay.
Location: Sto. Domingo, Albay
5. St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Legazpi in Albay, Philippines
What makes it one of the best churches in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?
Take a trip to St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Legazpi City for your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay. St. Gregory the Great is locally known as Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno and Albay Cathedral. It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the Philippines and is one of the biggest churches in the city of Legazpi. During the eruption of the Mayon Volcano in 1754, St. Gregory the Great Church was burned and destroyed. It was only reconstructed in 1834 with the help of Pedro Romero and was then turned into a cathedral in 1951 when the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of Legazpi was founded.
The church is a favorite tourist destination because aside from its charming façade and perfect semicircular arched main entrance, it also offers an amazing view of the Mayon Volcano.
Location: Legazpi, Albay
Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!
6. Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne in Malinao in Albay, Philippines
What makes it one of the best churches in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?
For your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay, head over to the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne in Malinao. This church was built in 1619 by the Franciscan, Fr. Francisco de Sta. Ana. It was destroyed during the eruption of the Mayon Volcano but was later reconstructed into the amazing spiritual haven that it is now.
Like the previous churches, the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne also has a stunning façade. It has a semicircular arch main entrance, rectangular windows, and a sculpture of St. Anne in the triangular pediment above the second level.
Even though the church is not that huge, we are sure that you will have a solemn and a memorable Visita Iglesia experience in the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne.
Location: Malinao, Albay
7. Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church in Daraga in Albay, Philippines
What makes it one of the best churches in Albay for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?
Wrap up your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay by stopping by Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church in Daraga. The Daraga Church was established by a group of Franciscan priests to honor Our Lady of the Gate.
Before the eruption of the Mayon Volcano, the church was made mostly of volcanic stones and its huge structure with belfry on one side and convent on the other side was built based on a Baroque-Rococo structure with Spanish influence. It became a home to the religious people in Cagsawa after the Mayon Volcano eruption, and also served as a headquarters to the Japanese people in 1945. The Church of Daraga was later on reconstructed and has maintained its beauty over time.
Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church is located on top of a hill where you can also get a glimpse of the Mayon Volcano. It provides a peaceful ambiance, a picture-perfect view and a rich historical background which makes it the best last church to visit in your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Albay.
Location: Daraga, Albay
Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!
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