Bicol Churches: Must-visit churches that has a great history

If you happen to be in Bicol during Holy Week, you might want to check out one of the local churches. As we explore Bicol, we come across a number of churches, each with its own fascinating history. Filipinos have a long-standing tradition of stopping by local churches en route to their final destination. Even more so when our grandmothers are joining us on the trip. As a first priority, going to church is often what they request of others. Holy Week is quickly approaching, and we plan to take advantage of the time off to visit family in the province. It is my hope that you and your loved ones will find spiritual solace in these places of worship.

Churches in Bicol

Parish of Saint Joseph

Bicol Churches - Barcelona, Sorsogon — Graphics | Rianne Royce Opeña
Photo | LGU Barcelona

There are many churches in Bicol, but the Barcelona church stands out as one of the oldest. It’s one of the churches they go to every year during Holy Week. A century has passed since it was built. They say that the Franciscans constructed the church in 1874, and its walls and bell tower are all original. The people of Barcelona claim that this church, constructed entirely of coral rocks. And it is one of the most beautiful church in Bicol. It is located in Barcelona Sorsogon.

Our Lady of the Gate

Bicol Churches - Daraga — Graphics | Rianne Royce Opeña
Photo | Tripodvisor

Our Lady of Porteria Parish (Our Lady of the Gate, more commonly knows as Daraga Church. It is a baroque structure from the 18th century. That church is one of the oldest and most stunning in all of Bicol. Construction on what is now known as the Daraga Church began in 1773. With the views of the towering Mayon Volcano. Cagsawa’s population was given permission to relocate their town center to this location. Hence it is the reason why it is name “Our Lady of the Gate.” So that in this location they could escape the devastation caused by Mount Mayon’s eruptions and the River’s flooding.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Graphics | Rianne Royce Opeña
Photo | Tripodvisor

The Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia is considered to be one of the most important Marian Pilgrimage Sites in all of Asia. It is the only basilica in the entire Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Caceres in Bicol Region. That is why it one of the most visited churches, a well-known destination for a lot of people in this region. A statue of the Blessed Mother sculpted in 1710 is housed in the Basilica. Naga, Camarines Sur is where the church can be found.

Take some time to visit these ancient places of worship. You can come here to find solace.

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Albay Barcelona Bicol Churches camarines sur Daraga Destination Holy Week Naga Our Lady of Penafrancia Our lady of the Gate Parish of Saint Joseph Pray Solace Sorsogon travel

Rianne Royce B. Opeña

Rianne Royce is a lady who is passionate about writing, and she is now pursuing a degree in Journalism at Bicol University. She first becomes interested in writing when she is a senior in high school and continues to pursue it when she is in college. She writes story pieces and makes sure that what she writes is current and interesting to the audience. She has a strong passion for writing, which she has developed further since joining the school-based organization BONJour and pursuing freelance writing on the side.