INTRODUCTION
Nothing beats Laguna when it comes to its abundance of historical churches.
St.Augustine Parish Church- Bay Laguna
The first church of Bay was constructed from cane and nipa by theAugustinians. It was built along the shore of Laguna Lake under the supervision of Augustinian friar Martin de Rada under the patronage of St. Augustine in 1571. It became a parish on April 30, 1578.
St. Anthony De Padua Parish Church- Pila Laguna
This is the Archdiocesan of St. Anthony De Padua or commonly known as Pila Church located in the heritage town of Pila, Laguna. To commemorate the 350th death anniversary of the Saint In 1578, Pila Church became the Parish of St. Anthony De Padua and making it the first church in the Philippines dedicated to St Anthony. It was in 2002 that it was declared an Archdiocesan Shrine.
The Immaculate Conception Parish Church-Sta.Cruz Laguna
The Church of Santa Cruz is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It was built by the Franciscan Friars in 1608 under the supervison of the first parish priest of Santa Cruz, Laguna, Fr. Antonio de la Llave.
Eventually, the church was enlarged with the additional wings on both sides to form a cross in 1672. The principal nave and convent was later on added in 1850.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church- Pagsanjan Laguna
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, designated as the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo, is the only Roman Catholic Church in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines, and the oldest church in the Philippines under the patronship of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is home to the patroness of Pagsanjan, Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose image was a gift from Mexico.
Saint Sebastian Parish Church-Lumban Laguna
Popularly known as the Lumban Church, the San Sebastian Parish Church is a great spot to visit in the town of Lumban in Laguna. It is known as the first stone church in Laguna and the first tabernacle outside Manila. It is also known as the largest stone church in the province.
Like most churches, the Lumban church features a belfry set right on the side of the church. Its beautiful façade and interiors make this cathedral a nice place to visit. Every tourist who visits the place could really admire this cathedral’s beauty.
St.James the Apostle Parish Church-Paete Laguna
St. James the Apostles Church, Paete Laguna was founded in 1580. This is really an old church made of stones which was ruined by wars and destroyed by calamities but remained standing despite all the adversaries. Although the church has been renovated and the original materials are not like the original, the design remains the same.
In the past, all religious images inside the church were carved and painted by the local residents of Paete, showcasing their mastery and skill of woodcarving. But maybe due to several earthquakes in the past, these masterpieces were destroyed along with the church. Santiago or St. James the Apostle is the patron saint of Paete.
San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church-Pakil, Laguna
The church of Pakil is one of the best preserved in Laguna. Built in 1684, it stands as a fine example of colonial baroque architecture. The church’s curlicue stonework and cherubs on the facade is enough to fascinate us. But the wonderment continues inside the 324 year old structure and continues further in stories that were passed on through generations.
Our Lady of Nativity Parish Church-Pangil Laguna
Our Lady's Nativity Church at the town's square. Housed here are the images of Infant Jesus and Pregnant Mother Mary.
St.Mary Magdalene Parish Church-Magdalena Laguna
It was built during the Spanish Era, using "Polo" or forced labor. The church of Magdalena houses is an important relic. When Brains of the Katipunan, Emilio Jacinto, was mortally wounded after an encounter with Spanish forces at the Maimpis River on February 1898, he was brought here. The Emilio Jacinto Shrine is located in the Magdalena Church.The stone church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, the church was built in 1829. It is made of stones and bricks and has a sandstone facade. The church is located at the town center or plaza, just across the municipal town hall of Magdalena. The shrine of Emilio Jacinto is also located at the Magdalene Church. The old baptistery is at the ground floor of the bell tower and a convent is also attached to the church near the Emilio Jacinto Shrine.
St. John The Baptist Parish Church. Liliw Laguna
It was built in 1605 in Romanesque style. Like most churches, it also suffered from earthquake in 1880 and fire in 1898.
But due to its religious parishioners, it has been well preserved and continues to get developed over time. Up to this day, Liliwenos, as the towns people are called, continue to preserve and beautify thechurch in the desire to restore its former glory.
St.Bartholomew the Apostle Parish Church-Nagcarlan Laguna
The St. Bartholomew Parish Church (“Nagcarlang Church”) in Nagcarlan, Laguna was first built in 1583 of light materials and when it was rebuilt in 1752,bricks and stones were used but the church was partly destroyed by a fire in 1781. The current church and the additional Choir loft was a remnant of the 1845 structure. It was rebuilt by Rev. Vicente Velloc, who also built the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery.
The Church of Nagcarlan became more popular because of the TV series “Kampanerang Kuba” . Not like all Spanish built churches which are mostly found near the town Municpal hall or plaza, the church is nearer to the town’s public market.
St.Gregory Parish Church-Majayjay Laguna
San Gregorio Magno Church was rebuilt four times, the first three times with stone. Fr. Andres de Puertollano had the old walls mortared and bricked. The church features a three-level facade, each level scaled proportionately and topped by a triangular pediment, which displays subtle Baroque inclinations seen through the relationships of spaces and solid masses, protuberant columns and static segments. The pediment features a circular window. The church imposes a feeling of symmetry accentuated by the central bay by the main portal, choir loft windows, and saint’s niche. This symmetry is enhanced by the positioning of the belltower, which is a little recessed from the facade. The belltower has balustraded windows on each of the polygonal levels which seem to peek from behind the facade. The belfry features arched windows, each one displaying a bell, and is trimmed with filials.
Parish of the Transfiguration-Cavinti,Laguna
Like the other churches in the Philippines, it has a colonial baroque architectural design. It has a bell tower attached to the church building. And, right next to it is the convent and a small garden giving it a refreshing look. Although currently in it's forminable adobe structure, it wasn't originally so. It was originally made of lighter materials and was just rebuilt on 1621. It was partially destroyed during the Chinese uprising on 1639. It was rebuilt but once again crumbled down during the Earthquakes of 1824. It also suffered major cracked during the earthquakes of 1880 and 1937.
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Church-Luisiana, Laguna
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish at Luisiana, Laguna. It's a very simple church but is very popular among Visita Iglesia goers. It's also said that it's the oldest parish honoring Nuestra Senora del Rosario in the Philippines.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the metro and take this short ride to another one of the Philippine's hidden treasures and unspoiled piece of beauty- the churches of Laguna!