The Cagsawa Ruins stand as a renowned historical site in Daraga, Albay, showcasing the remnants of a 16th-century Franciscan church that was destroyed during the devastating eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814.
Located in Barangay Busay, the ruins are a popular tourist destination, symbolizing the rich history of the Bicol region and the resilience of its people in the face of natural disasters.
Visitors are treated to stunning views of the perfectly shaped Mayon Volcano, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic sight of the church’s belfry partially buried on the ground.
Primarily visited for its historical significance, the Cagsawa Ruins was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in December of 2015. The site is part of Cagsawa Park, which offers well-maintained grounds, picnic areas, and opportunities for exploration. The entrance fee is quite affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.
The Cagsawa Ruins are the remains of the Cagsawa Church, which was originally built by the Franciscans in 1587. The church faced destruction at the hands of Dutch pirates in 1636 and was rebuilt in 1724. However, it faced its ultimate demise during the catastrophic eruption of Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814, which buried the town of Cagsawa and resulted in the tragic loss of around 1,200 lives.
Today, only the church’s belfry and parts of the convent’s foundation remain, as the rest of the structure and the surrounding town were buried in ash and pyroclastic flows during the 1814 eruption, serving as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and resilience of the local community.
This site offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Mayon Volcano. Local guides are on hand to assist tourists in capturing photos from creative angles featuring the belfry and the volcano.
Additionally, the site is home to a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, showcasing geological and archaeological exhibits, along with photographs documenting the eruptions of Mayon Volcano.
The park grounds also feature numerous stalls that offer local crafts, Bicol delicacies, and souvenirs.
After a visit to the ruins, guests can engage in various other activities nearby, which include the following:
- Daraga Church: This historic church, known as Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, is located just 2.2 km (about 1.4 miles) from the ruins and offers another excellent vantage point for the Mayon Volcano.
- Lignon Hill Nature Park: Offering 360-degree panoramic views of Legazpi City, the Albay Gulf, and the Mayon Volcano, Lignon Hill is another popular spot located about 3 km (around 1.9 miles) away.
- Sumlang Lake: Experience a peaceful view of the volcano while on a bamboo raft at this tranquil lake, located roughly 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from the ruins.
- ATV Tours of the lava front: Operators provide guided tours that depart from the Cagsawa area, offering thrilling rides through volcanic terrain, crossing rivers, rocky paths, and forests to reach viewpoints of past eruption sites like the 2006 lava flow.
In summary, the Cagsawa Ruins present a distinctive blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an essential destination for anyone visiting the Bicol region.