5 Laguna Heritage Churches That Will Take You Back in Time
These five heritage churches in Laguna stood out during a spontaneous road trip to the eastern side of Laguna.
These places might remind us of the Spanish colonial rule, but these institutions do not just represent faith and devotion and as repositories of prayers. In fact, they represent how life was lived, and our national history is deeply embedded into their walls.
Here are five churches you should visit on your next trip to Laguna.
What’s In Here?
1. San Juan Bautista Church – Kalayaan, Laguna
Past its Baroque façade blackened by the elements and overgrowth of moss and weeds, the structure in Brgy. Longos has since stood the test of time.
Victim to natural calamities, looting, and neglect – the church still evokes an old-world charm akin to the hit television series “Maria Clara at Ibarra”.
The San Juan Bautista Church seems to be forgotten: palliative care has been done to restore the lost charm of a church ravaged by time and circumstance.
Unlike most churches of its kind, the San Juan Bautista Church, established in 1669 as a parish church, is tucked in a barrio a distance away from the town plaza.
Longos Church as locals call it, lost its parish church status in 1959 when the poblacion was transferred to another barrio. I actually had a hard time locating this one as it is tucked in a barrio far from everything else. But I must say that this is the most beautiful church in Laguna.
2. San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church – Nagcarlan, Laguna
Nagcarlan is known for the underground cemetery with catacombs and tunnels which was built in 1845, this is the only of its kind in the country.
This town is straddled at the foot of two mountains – Mt. Cristobal (Devil’s Mountain) and Mt. Banahaw (Holy Mountain) and is considered the largest of the upland towns in the province of Laguna.
The Baroque-style San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church is unique because of the Muslim-inspired crenellations in its four-story bell tower.
Legend has been passed from generations after generations of Nagcarleños about the hidden tunnel somewhere in the very heart of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. What’s more, is that it is believed to be connected to the church’s Altar.
In popular culture, one might recognize this church as the filming location for the 1974 movie Kampanerang Kuba starring Vilma Santos, then followed by the 2005 remake starring Anne Curtis.
3. St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church – Pakil, Laguna
The very reason I started this church-hopping adventure is because of this curious-looking church in Pakil, Laguna.
By the shores of the Laguna de Bay and at the footholds of the imposing Sierra Madre mountains, lies the Pakil Church. Further, its intricately designed ancient edifice looks like a rustic wood house with bas reliefs that is akin to that of Miag-ao Church in Iloilo.
The St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church was completed in 1767 after 35 years only to succumb to fires, earthquakes, and war.
Today, it houses the replica painting of the “Our Lady of Turumba” which was found floating in Matamig River. The presence of the miraculous painting began the devotion of Our Lady by the church.
To add, the Turumba Festival in honor of the Our Lady of Sorrows is the “largest and longest religious celebration in the country”. It consists of seven Turumba novenas that last for seven months.
4. St. John the Baptist Parish Church – Liliw, Laguna
As soon as you set foot into the quaint town of Liliw, your feet will be thrilled as you are in the “Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines”. A number of footwear stores stand on both sides of the main street which then connects to the Liliw Church.
A striking red-colored Baroque façade made of mud bricks and adobe stones will welcome you. The first church was built in wood in 1620. The Franciscans built a stronger stone church from 1643 to 1646 which was partially destroyed during the 1880 Luzon earthquake.
It was reconstructed in 1885 and was partially burned on April 6, 1898. Through the generosity of the citizens of Lilio, the church has since been renovated back to its former glory.
5. St. Gregory the Great Parish Church – Majayjay Church
With Majayjay serving as the earliest site of Catholicism in Laguna, it is no wonder that the church of Majayjay is one of the oldest and best preserved in the country.
Moreover, St. Gregory the Great Parish is regarded as a National Cultural Treasure since the structure has been almost intact since it was finished in 1649.
The Romanesque church of Majayjay is made from volcanic tiles and red bricks.
In addition, its belfry houses four small bells and one big bell – probably the oldest in the country. Consequently, the rooftop of the church, like the one in Liliw, offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Banahaw and Laguna de Bay.
The convent at the left side of the church that now houses the present-day Liceo De Majayjay – is one of the best preserved Convento in the country and is the earliest surviving example of its kind
I am not a holier-than-thou person and I even jest about getting burnt if I attempted to step inside the church grounds. But aren’t we all after stories that these silent witnesses have seen for over half a millennia?
They might be often overlooked, but our archipelago is full of them and has many unique stories to tell if you just look at them closely.
So on your next road trip, might as well visit these five heritage churches of Laguna and say a prayer!
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5 Laguna Heritage Churches That Will Take You Back in Time
Updated February 14, 2023
