DIGITAL VISITA IGLESIA: A Virtual Tour of Churches in the Philippines for this Holy Week

The holy week is one of the most important occasions for the catholic faithfuls. But since we’re still under enhanced community quarantine due to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, doing the actual Visita Iglesia will not be possible. In keeping with the solemnity of the holy week, observing the age-old Visita Iglesia tradition can be just a click away! Google Map has the Street View feature that provides a 360-degree view of destinations that you can use to virtually visit churches from the comforts of your homes. Google Map makes it possible for you to just stay at home and explore churches as if you are there.

To use, simply open Google Maps on you web browser, type in a destination or the name of the church, and drag the Pegman located at the bottom right of the screen to a specific area on the map. For mobile, just input the destination and tap on a place marker.

DIGITAL VISITA IGLESIA 2020: A Virtual Tour of Churches in the Philippines for this Holy Week

“Visita Iglesia,” is a term that refers to religious practice that involves visiting seven churches on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday and recite the Stations of the Cross. This is also a good time to reflect on the suffering and passion of Jesus Christ. Here are some churches you could check out. Please click the photos below to get to Google Map.

The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, Manila San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, Sta. Ana, Manila Daraga Church, Albay St. James The Apostle Parish, Pampanga Saint Gregory The Great Parish Church, Majayjay Laguna Basílica Menor del Santo Niño, Cebu City San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City

The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, Manila

Most commonly known as the Manila Cathedral, it is a cathedral and basilica dedicated to the blessed virgin Mary. During Visita Iglesia, many families and devotees would include this church in their visits. It has had three historic apostolic visits, with the most memorable one from Pope Francis who also held his first Papal Mass in the country in this church back in 2015.

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San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila

Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is considered to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It has gone through multiple renovations due to damage from wars during its early years. Now, it stands tall with its beautiful facade and interiors and has become one of the most visited stops during Visita Iglesia season.

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Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, Sta. Ana, Manila

This 300-year old church has become an important heritage site in the streets of Sta. Ana, Manila. There are many notable fixtures and historical ornaments inside the church including the revered image of its patron, Our Lady of the Abandoned, which was created in Valencia, Spain in 1713.

Daraga Church, Albay

Originally established as a temporary settlement for the residents of Cagsawa during the Mayon Volcano eruption in 1814, Daraga Church has been renovated countless times to become a secular place of worship in Albay province. This religious architecture also contains several sections that are considered as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.

St. James The Apostle Parish, Pampanga

Also known as Betis Church, St. James The Apostle has also been called the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Philippines’, thanks to its intricate art painted on its ceilings. One look up at its dome and you will see images of several Catholic saints painted above. Because of its rich art and interior design, the church is recognized by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure.

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Saint Gregory The Great Parish Church, Majayjay Laguna

Standing at one of the oldest sites of early Catholicism in Laguna, Saint Gregory The Great Parish has a rich history dating back 1571 and contains antique displays of several saints and old liturgical objects. This is also declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.

Basílica Menor del Santo Niño, Cebu City

This simple church was declared a basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1965 and was recognized to be a symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines. Today, it serves to be one of the must visit churches during Visita Iglesia for devotees in the province. It also houses some important relics, furniture, and documents dating back to the 17th century in its in-house museum.

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San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City

Located at the heart of Davao City, San Pedro Cathedral is the city’s oldest church and is said to have been established by the first Spanish settlers in the province back in 1847. It is currently serving as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and is considered a National Cultural Treasure for its distinct architectural features including its curved roofing that resembles a vinta carrying a cross at the helm.

Discover and explore more collections from across the world in the Street View Gallery. Access Google Maps on the web or download the app now and get started on your virtual adventure!

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