Cagsawa Church & Ruins

Bicol


A couple of kilometres northwest of Daraga is the most classic of Bicol's panoramas: the stand-alone greenery-topped belfry of the sunken Cagsawa Church against the backdrop of Mt Mayon. Twelve hundred people took refuge here from divine wrath in the form of 1814’s violent eruption and were entombed alive, suggesting that the Creator is matchless in irony. Come early in the morning to avoid the day trippers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bicol attractions

1. Daraga Church

1.35 MILES

Set on a hill splendidly overlooking Mt Mayon is the baroque-style Nuestra Senora de la Porteria church in Daraga, constructed completely from volcanic…

2. Ligñon Hill Nature Park

1.97 MILES

For one of the best panoramic views of brooding Mt Mayon and the city, head up Ligñon Hill. It’s a steep, but paved, 20-minute walk up the hill; tricycles…

3. San Gregorio Cathedral

2.93 MILES

This handsome stone cathedral is a useful central landmark in Albay. It was built in 1839 after the original was destroyed in the 1814 Mayon eruption.

6. Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

3.91 MILES

Pottery dating from 200 BC to AD 900 has been found in this easily accessed limestone cave, set on a quiet hillside above a pretty rural valley. Guides…

7. Calabidongan Cave

4.18 MILES

Located around 3km from Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, the more challenging Calabidongan Cave (literally, Cave of the Bats) is for more adventurous, confident…

8. Embarcadero

4.19 MILES

Legazpi's ambitious waterfront mall and entertainment complex is already looking a bit tired, with empty shops and a forlorn feel. The location is…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "philippines/daraga/attractions/cagsawa-church-ruins/a/poi-sig/1190430/1339945",
      "destination": "Bicol",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Philippines",
      "region": "Bicol",
      "position": "superzone"
    }