14 Churches to Visit on Your Visita Iglesia Road Trip

During Holy Week, many Roman Catholics would take the Visita Iglesia tradition as an opportunity to head out of town and see the sights.

The idea of Visita Iglesia is to visit 7 churches on Holy Thursday and recite the Stations of the Cross. The more pious would visit 14—one church per station.

No matter how many churches you're planning to go to, make Visita Iglesia a worthwhile road trip down south with these beautiful chapels and shrines.

1. St. Benedict Parish

Situated right by the entrance of Ayala Westgrove Heights, this Mediterranean-inspired church is a popular wedding venue, given its convenient location that's about a 5-minute drive to and from Nuvali. Tucked in lush greens, its predominantly white aesthetic provides a comfortable haven for prayers.

St. Benedict Parish
Ayala Westgrove Heights
South Blvd, Brgy. Inchican
Silang, Cavite

2. Our Lady of the Candelaria Parish

Also known as the Silang Church, this baroque structure has gained popularity for its Spanish colonial architecture. Legend has it is that the church mysteriously surfaced. Hence, the place is called silang, which means to be born.

Our Lady of the Candelaria Parish Church
JP Rizal, Poblacion 1
Silang, Cavite

3. San Antonio de Padua Parish

With its rustic façade and Portuguese charm, the complex has 2 structures: the 3-tiered bell tower and the chapel—both made of red bricks. Its patron saint is St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things.

San Antonio de Padua Parish
Pook, Silang, Cavite

4. Madre de Dios Chapel

Simple, modern, and Mediterranean-style, this hilltop chapel is located in the exclusive Tagaytay Highlands. While you're there, admire the stunning glassed mosaic windows that reflect different colors when the sunlight strikes it. And with its picturesque views of Taal Lake and Volcano, this Visita Iglesia stop has become a top choice for weddings, too.

Madre de Dios Chapel
Tagaytay Highlands, Talisay, Batangas

5. Tierra de Maria

This 50-foot Mama Mary image is a replica of Pangasinan’s Our Lady of Manaog that calls for thanksgiving and prayers for healing. After contemplation and reflection at the intimate chapel, don't forget to enjoy the breathtaking views of Tagaytay from the panoramic deck.

Tierra de Maria
Calamba Road, Tagaytay

6. Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish Church

Translated to "Our Lady of Perpetual Help", this Roman Catholic title was bestowed on Mother Mary as represented in a 15th-century Byzantine icon. This humble church is also a favorite for weddings and renewal of vows.

Ina ng Laging Saklolo
Calamba Road, Tagaytay

7. Divine Word Seminary

Surrounded by pine trees and wrapped with the city’s cool breeze, this church exudes an essence of purity that'll make it stand out in your Visita Iglesia. Their vintage pipe organ is a sight to behold as well—even though they don’t use it anymore, unfortunately.

Divine Word Seminary
SVD Road, Tagaytay

8. Pink Sisters Convent

At this convent, founder Saint Arnold Janssen chose the color pink to represent love and joy for the Holy Spirit. The nuns, who are the Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, are often seen dressed in pink and quietly praying.

Pink Sisters Convent
Holy Spirit Drive, Brgy. Maitim, Tagaytay

9. Angels’ Hills Retreat and Formation Center

Those seeking to encounter God’s presence will find refuge in the warm welcome from the life-sized statue of Archangel Saint Michael. This 2-hectare haven is also a popular venue for retreats, recollections, and value formation seminars.

Angels’ Hills Retreat and Formation Center
Arnoldus Road, Barangay Maitim II East
Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay

10. Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Its easy accessibility has made it one of the most known churches in Tagaytay. Apart from attracting visitors because of its scenic garden landscape, it has a Candle Chapel where patrons light colored candles depending on what they’re praying for.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Nasugbu Highway, Silang Junction
North Tagaytay

11. St. Mary Magdalene Parish

Formerly a Japanese garrison during World War 2, it holds a long record of historical events. It was even declared a National Historic Landmark in 1984.

St. Mary Magdalene Parish
Amadeo, Cavite

12. Caleruega Chapel of Transfiguration of Jesus

This popular Holy Week spot was named after a town in Spain, where its patron St. Dominic de Guzman was born. This Dominican church and retreat destination is also known for its stunning natural landscapes.

Caleruega Chapel of Transfiguration of Jesus
Brgy. Caylaway, Batulao
Nasugbu, Batangas

13. Don Bosco Chapel on the Hill

Housing a circular labyrinth floor path, this shrine has become popular for its unique experience for prayer and meditation. Marvel at 360-degree views of the West Philippine Sea and Tagaytay City from this church perched atop a hill.

Don Bosco Chapel on the Hill
Don Bosco Butulao, Brgy. Cahil
Calaca, Batangas

14. Basilica of St. Martin of Tours

Asia’s largest Catholic church is adorned with a sophisticated baroque aesthetic. Named after Saint Martin de Tours, Taal Batangas’ patron saint, it has become an astounding landmark situated on a hill at the town center.

Basilica of St. Martin of Tours
Calle San Martin, Taal, Batangas

BONUS: Trek Taal Volcano

Go on a moderate trek up Taal Volcano and discover why this famous view is a popular Holy Week form of penitensya: because of its 14 Stations of the Cross.

Boat fee: Approximately P2,000 for a maximum for 7 people
Entrance fee: P100/head
Environmental fee: P50/boat
Optional Add-Ons:
- Tour Guide: P500 for a maximum of 5 people
- Horseback Ride: P500/head
- Entry to Red Lava: P50/head

J-Cel Boat Station
Brgy., Talisay, Batangas
(0915) 618 8768
(09996666874

Heading to Tagaytay for Holy Week? Check out our Travel Guide for a list of things to See, Eat, and Do! Enjoy discounts on Tagaytay stays, day tours, F&B offers, and spa treatments here.

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This article was last edited on April 16, 2019 by the DG Traveler team.