Melo Villareal
Everything you need to know about Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay, Philippines
When in Bicol, one of the tourist destinations that you should not miss is the Cagsawa Ruins, also known as the Kagsawa church. This church was destroyed by the Mayon Volcano eruption in 1814, thus making it Cagsawa Ruins.
Visiting Cagsawa Ruins in Bicol
The ruins are attractive to photography enthusiasts worldwide and are protected by the Philippines National Museum and the government of Daraga. For travel enthusiasts, this is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Legaspi City, and it remains a silent witness to the dreadful nature of Mt. Mayon.
The volcanic eruption killed almost 1200 people who took refuge in the Cagsawa Church, thus making it an even more visited place for its history and local stories. One can find tour guides who give a detailed description of the events that happened, and that too at the will of the traveler’s generosity. These tour guides are young and interactive, and it can be fun sightseeing the area and listening to its detailed past.
Cagsawa is situated approximately 8 kilometers away from the central business district of Legazpi. The best time to visit this place is when Mt. Mayon is in full view; photography enthusiasts will get incredible photographs of the ruins with Mt. Mayon on the backdrop.
The place also sports some reasonable vendors, and people can go for mementos of the particular place. The plus point of the Cagsawa ruins is that it is the perfect spot to see the Mayon Volcano; usually, Mt. Mayon is covered with clouds, and if lucky, you can get a clear view of the volcanic mountain from the ruins.
An area is also a good place for souvenir shopping. Some shops sell Orchids, other exotic flowers, and handicrafts like shirts and handbags. The place is now called Cagsawa Park, which is now managed by the municipal government of Daraga, Albay.
How to Get to Cagsawa Ruins
The Cagsawa ruins are located 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from the town of Daraga and are approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) from the city of Legazpi. The Ruins is also 3.3 km (2.1 mi) from the Legazpi Airport and a 55-minute flight from Manila.
By bus, Daraga Albay is five to six hours away from Manila. The ruins are roughly 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) from the summit of the Majestic Mayon Volcano.
Searching for the best Albay hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of Albay affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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Also read:
- Around Bicol in 30 Plates: Bicol Food Adventure Day 2
- Daraga Church: A historical treasure in Albay
- Russian Photographer Lists Bohol, Albay As Among World’s Best Tourist Spots
- Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Legazpi City
- Albay, Bicol: Of Majestic Mayon, Food, Luxury, Adventure and More
