Sometimes, we may need a little alone time, some introspection and meditation. While Metro Manila offers a variety of beautiful sacred spaces perfect for a mini retreat, if you’re hoping to turn a much-needed roadtrip into a pilgrimage, head to some of the churches in Laguna. Here, we’ve compiled a list of historic churches in Laguna that are worth a visit.
","optimizedContentImg":null,"optimizedContentImg1":null,"optimizedContentImg2":null,"optimizedContentImg3":null,"optimizedContentImg4":null,"message":null,"type":"component9","video":null},{"caption":null,"caption1":null,"caption2":null,"caption3":null,"caption4":null,"title1":null,"title2":null,"title":"St. John the Baptist Church","description1":null,"description2":null,"description":"This one may seem a bit familiar, especially for the history buffs out there. St. John the Baptist Church is a National Historic Landmark not just because it was built in 1859, but because it was also the place where our Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, was baptized. In fact, the Church is located right across from where Rizal was born! If you’re looking for a serene moment with a dash of history, then this church in Laguna should definitely be on your list.
JP Rizal corner Mercado Streets, Poblacion 5, Calamba, Laguna
","optimizedContentImg":null,"optimizedContentImg1":null,"optimizedContentImg2":null,"optimizedContentImg3":null,"optimizedContentImg4":null,"message":null,"type":"component5","video":null},{"caption":null,"caption1":null,"caption2":null,"caption3":null,"caption4":null,"title1":null,"title2":null,"title":"Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Parish Church","description1":null,"description2":null,"description":"More popularly known as Nagcarlan Church, the San Bartolome Apostol Parish in well, Nagcarlan, boasts a beautiful red brick façade that, right away, sets the mood for awe and quiet contemplation. The actual brick and stone structure of the Church was constructed in 1752, and it was a team effort. It is said that the townspeople literally helped create the foundations by mixing egg whites into the mortar to further fortify the structure. This church might also look familiar as it was used as a location for Kampanerang Kuba (for both the movie and TV version!).
Poblacion, Nagcarlan, Laguna
","optimizedContentImg":null,"optimizedContentImg1":null,"optimizedContentImg2":null,"optimizedContentImg3":null,"optimizedContentImg4":null,"message":null,"type":"component5","video":null},{"caption":null,"caption1":null,"caption2":null,"caption3":null,"caption4":null,"title1":null,"title2":null,"title":"National Shrine and Parish of San Antonio de Padua","description1":null,"description2":null,"description":"If you’re missing something, this shrine might have to be the first church on your list. This parish is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of lost items, and is considered the first church in the Philippines to be dedicated to him. As a bonus, devotees are also allowed to touch the statue of St. Anthony at the altar. If you’re looking for a historical angle, the church also houses the fourth oldest surviving church bell in the country, which is available for viewing.
82 Burzagom Street, Pila, Laguna
","optimizedContentImg":null,"optimizedContentImg1":null,"optimizedContentImg2":null,"optimizedContentImg3":null,"optimizedContentImg4":null,"message":null,"type":"component5","video":null},{"caption":null,"caption1":null,"caption2":null,"caption3":null,"caption4":null,"title1":null,"title2":null,"title":"St. Peter of Alcantara Parish","description1":null,"description2":null,"description":"St. Peter of Alcantara in Pakil is also a shrine to the Virgin Mary. The parish houses a painting of the Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba, an image of the Virgin Mary that was found in Laguna de Bay in 1788 after a storm. It is said this image began the devotion of Our Lady throughout the area. Spend some time here in reflective silence with the Virgin Mary, allowing for a prayerful and meaningful experience.
Pakil, Laguna
","optimizedContentImg":null,"optimizedContentImg1":null,"optimizedContentImg2":null,"optimizedContentImg3":null,"optimizedContentImg4":null,"message":null,"type":"component5","video":null},{"caption":null,"caption1":null,"caption2":null,"caption3":null,"caption4":null,"title1":null,"title2":null,"title":"St. James the Apostle Parish Church","description1":null,"description2":null,"description":"Here’s a tip: St. James the Apostle Parish Church is close to the Pakil Church mentioned above, so it’s worth visiting one after the other. This church is in Paete, the Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines, and immediately you can see how the town’s artistry inspired much of the Church’s design. The church is artfully designed in wood, from the doors, to the saint statues, to the Stations of the Cross. The town’s collaboration with the Church is still strong today, as there are seasonal exhibits featuring Catholic statues donated by parishioners.
Paete, Laguna
","optimizedContentImg":null,"optimizedContentImg1":null,"optimizedContentImg2":null,"optimizedContentImg3":null,"optimizedContentImg4":null,"message":null,"type":"component5","video":null},{"caption":null,"caption1":null,"caption2":null,"caption3":null,"caption4":null,"title1":null,"title2":null,"title":"Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene","description1":null,"description2":null,"description":"In the town of Magdalena you can find, fittingly, the church of St Mary Magdalene. Added in our list of old churches in Laguna, this church, built in 1829, is a place of prayer and a historical landmark. The church features a marker to General Emilio Jacinto because he found refuge here after the Battle of Maimpis. The marker also displays the actual bolo and hat that the general was wearing during the time. The church itself pays homage to its historical roots with its colonial design, allowing one to feel transported back to the 1800s while also creating a disposition of contemplation and introspection.
Magdalena, Laguna
","optimizedContentImg":null,"optimizedContentImg1":null,"optimizedContentImg2":null,"optimizedContentImg3":null,"optimizedContentImg4":null,"message":null,"type":"component5","video":null},{"caption":null,"caption1":null,"caption2":null,"caption3":null,"caption4":null,"title1":null,"title2":null,"title":"","description1":null,"description2":null,"description":"Embrace that quiet atmosphere and create that peaceful home environment at Southdale Settings and Averdeen Estates NUVALI. Living in NUVALI not only brings you closer to serene surroundings but also to sacred spaces, enhancing your experience in a peaceful community. This area offers a retreat into nature, making it an ideal environment for family bonding. Additionally, residents can easily participate in the traditional Visita Iglesia, as several churches are conveniently located nearby, allowing for spiritual nourishment alongside a tranquil lifestyle. It’s easier to fill your days with meaningful moments where the environment is much calmer and away from the bustling sounds of the city.
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