The Visita Iglesia (Visit of the Churches) is a tradition that Catholics observe during the Lenten season. Visita Iglesia is often practiced on Holy Thursday during the Holy Week. On this day, the faithful visit seven churches to offer a solemn prayer and contemplate on the fourteen Stations of the Cross. The practice of visiting seven churches dates back to the time of the early Christians, when pilgrims would visit the seven great basilicas of Rome for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Visita Iglesia is also an opportunity for people to see and appreciate the beauty and historical value of Albay’s centuries-old churches. In this series of posts, Wow Legazpi will explore the major Catholic churches of Albay, not only to serve as a guide for pilgrims who will observe Visita Iglesia but also to provide information about these churches and help inspire appreciation of these priceless cultural treasures.

Please visit Wow Legazpi as we regularly update our Visita Iglesia: The Churches of Albay Series.

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Legazpi City
St. Raphael Archangel Church, Legazpi City
Our Lady of the Gate Church, Daraga
St. John the Baptist Church, Camalig
Our Lady of the Assumption, Guinobatan
St. John the Baptist Church, Tabaco
St. Stephen the Protomartyr Church, Ligao
St. Michael the Archangel Church, Oas
St. James the Great Church, Libon
St. Anthony of Padua Church, Polangui
St. Rose of Lima Church, Bacacay
St. Dominic de Guzman Church, Sto. Domingo
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Malilipot
St. Joachim and Anne Church, Malinao
St. Lawrence Church, Tiwi
Our Lady of Salvation Shrine, Joroan, Tiwi

Photos courtesy of Shubert Ciencia, Arnel Constantino, and the Heritage Conservation Society