Discover the haunting beauty of the Cagsawa Ruins, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Daraga near Legazpi City. These remnants of a 16th-century Franciscan church stand as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature. In 1814, the mighty Mount Mayon, one of the world’s most active and perfectly formed volcanoes, erupted in a cataclysm that buried the Cagsawa Church and claimed thousands of lives. Today, the defiant church belfry rises above the landscape, a solemn memorial embraced by lush greenery.

Visitors are captivated by the breathtaking contrast between the ruins and Mayon’s majestic cone, an enduring symbol of destructive beauty. Experience history and the raw power of nature at the unforgettable Cagsawa Ruins.

The Cagsawa Ruins stand as a haunting reminder of nature’s power and the enduring spirit of those who’ve faced it. Their story stretches back long before the Spanish arrived, a tale of early settlers, fiery devastation, and the town’s eventual disappearance. Here’s a brief history of Cagsawa Ruins, as researched by Bicolano author and Palanca awardee Abdon Balde Jr.

Before the Spanish: Cagsawa’s Roots The name “Cagsawa” has its origins in old Spanish documents, words like “Cadsagua” and “Biçagua” hinting at a community already thriving by the 1570s. Legend has it the name honored an early settler known for his unusual skill in taming large pythons (called “sawa” in the local dialect). In 1587, Franciscan leader Fray Pedro Bautista, later declared a saint, made Cagsawa a parish dedicated to St. James the Great. At first, it was just an extension of nearby Camalig town, but by 1604, Cagsawa’s importance was clear – it was its own town.

Growth and the Threat of Outsiders Cagsawa blossomed. Traders and skilled workers built businesses, fueling its growth. But that success wasn’t without danger. On July 25, 1636, Dutch pirates descended, burning the town to the ground. Yet, the people of Cagsawa refused to be defeated. They rebuilt, stronger this time, determined to protect what they’d created.

1814 Eruption: A Town Transformed The most devastating chapter in Cagsawa’s story began on February 1, 1814, when Mayon Volcano erupted with unimaginable force. Along with nearby towns, Cagsawa was all but wiped out. Over 1,200 people perished, and those who survived had nowhere left to call home. Many of the survivors rebuilt their lives in the nearby town of Daraga,  The once-thriving town was gone, leaving only the church’s bell tower, a fragment of its facade, and a hint of what had been to mark the spot. Today, three groups of ruins tell the tale – the church complex, the Casa Real (for social gatherings), and the Ayuntamiento, where the government once stood.

Rediscovery and a Symbol of Resilience For over a century, the ruins lay hidden, the land only cared for by a few locals. Then, in the 1930s, cleanup efforts brought Cagsawa back into the light. Photos taken by Americans living in the Philippines at the time rekindled interest in the site’s forgotten story. It’s a common misconception that the Cagsawa Ruins were entirely buried by lava from Mayon’s eruption. In reality, the destruction was caused by pyroclastic flows, lahars, and ash fall, which blanketed the town.

A Treasured Landmark Today, the Cagsawa Ruins are a beloved tourist destination in Albay, a testament to the resilience of the Albayano people. Thousands visit around the ruins each day, with the bell tower and the volcano looming behind becoming an iconic image of the region and even the country as a whole. In 2015, the National Museum of the Philippines made its importance official by declaring Cagsawa Ruins Park a National Cultural Treasure, forever marking its place in the nation’s history.

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