BICOL HERITAGE SITES

Cultural Heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts

and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. Cultural heritage includes tangible culture (such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, books, works of art, and artifacts), intangible culture (such as folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge), and natural heritage (including culturally significant landscapes, and biodiversity).

CAGSAWA RUINS

CAGSAWA RUINS

Located in the town of Daraga, Albay in the Philippines. The church of Cagsawa was built after 1734 by Francisco Blanco. The February 1, 1814 eruption of Mt. Mayon located 10km away destroyed the church. Originally, the name was taken from Kagsawa (kag –“owner” and sawa – “python”) which suggested a snake charmer. Today, only the belfry remains as a mute testimony of Mayon’s unpredictable fury and devastating strength. 

Daraga Catholic Church

Daraga Catholic Church (Daraga)

Built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries, it’s highly prized by art enthusiasts because of its rich baroque architecture. Its very high structure is considered above standard. Standing on massive hilltop, it dominates among the structures of the town of Daraga. At closer look, it contains archeological relics such as "santos" and religious seals carved articulately on volcanic rocks. These relics are considered priceless and collector's items. 

Naga Cathedral

Naga Cathedral

Oldest known church in the Bicol Region. Known as the mother church of all churches in Southern Luzon, it is also the biggest of all churches in the same area. The Naga Cathedral was constructed in 1575.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine

One of the oldest shrines in the Philippines . It was the old home of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine before she was transferred to the Basilica . The church was constructed in 1742 and

Universidad de santa Isabela

Universidad de santa Isabela

Oldest normal school for girls in Southeast Asia

Lagonoy Church.

Lagonoy Church.

Found in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, the imposing ruins of the Lagonoy belfry is all that is left of the original stone church build in 1763.

Jose Rizal Monument

The Rizal Monument in Daet, Camarines Norte was the first monument built to honor José Rizal, and is the oldest surviving such monument in the Philippines. It was designed by Lt. Colonel Antonio Sanz with the help of Ildefonso Alegre of the Philippine Revolutionary Army and through the financial contributions of the locals of Camarines Norte