Every year, Christians have an annual tradition called Semana Santa to commemorate the Passion of Jesus Christ. During this season there is what they call Visita Iglesa – tradition originated in Rome. Visita Iglesia is a known as pilgrim for penance.
Seven Churches
Sts. Peter and Paul Church - Polangui
For our first visit, we have pick Saints Peter and Paul Church of Polangui, near Sabido Park. I have to admit that this is one of the churches I admire for its simple and elegant design.
Polangueño’s, people living in Polangui, are one of the well-known religious Bicolano that have kept their tradition up to this date.
St. Stephen Protomartyr Church – Ligao
Compared to other churches, I personally found the St. Stephen Protomartyr Church of Ligao similar to Churches during Spanish Era. Unlike many other churches built in stones, you won’t see any traces of stones as its foundation.
If you are to visit the St. Stephen Protomartyr you need to enter the Ligao proper. The church would give you a Spanish Era feeling by just watching its architectural design.
St. John the Baptist Church – Camalig
Like any famous churches in Albay, the foundation of St. John the Baptist Church are volcanic stones – carved and hand-crafted by ancestors of Camaligueños.
The entrance of the church is somehow different from other churches because of its incline pathway and the floor of the church is somehow above half-meter from the ground. I am not sure why it was made like that but it sure does got my attention.
By the way did you know that St. John the Baptist Church was declared to be one of the National Cultural Treasure?
Nuestra Señora de la Porteria – Daraga
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Other than the St. Raphael Church of Legazpi, San Gregorio Magno is also one of the well-known Churches in Legazpi – Albay as part of Legaspi. San Gregorio Magno is also known as Albay Cathedral.
Albay Cathedral’s foundation is also made out of stones. You may see it inside the entrance and the walls outside the church.
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As to its aesthetic view from outside, do not be fooled, St. Dominic de Guzman Church has a very fascinating internal design that I do not normally seen on every churches I visit.
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St. Rome of Lima Church – Bacacay
St. Rome of Lima of Bacacay have changed a lot since I last visited the place. It is almost similar to St. Dominic de Guzman of Sto. Domingo – Historical external aesthetics and fascinating internal design.
Side Trip
We sure have a lot of fun during our Visita Iglesia but we won't end the day without a side trip.
It has been rumored that the old famous Mayon Skyline and Planetarium Hotel has been renovated by the Province and part of the park already done so it is a must to visit the place.
As expected, the place is filled with local and foreign tourist since its holy week.
According to the native, the province is targeting to finish renovating the Hotel and Convention Center this April. Maybe we’ll visit the place once more one it’s already done.
Sky Drive Inn
As our way down, we stop by the Sky Drive Inn and eat some hot meals. Sky Drive Inn just opened recently to accommodate tourists.
I have to admit, the place is very fascinating due to its location - near cliff with Mt. Mayon as background ground and with the view of the Albay Gulf anyone would drop by to take photos.
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