Looking to embark on a Visita Iglesia road trip this year? It’s a long-standing practice among the Catholic faithful to visit seven churches and pray the Stations of the Cross during Maundy Thursday. Tagaytay is an excellent destination for this tradition, blessed with beautiful churches and chapels within easy driving distance from each other. Nearby towns of Cavite and Batangas are also home to majestic places of worship.
1. Pink Sisters Convent & Chapel
Set on a tranquil property in Tagaytay, the Pink Sisters Convent is one of the most popular places of worship in the city. It’s best known for the iconic Pink Sisters (Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration), the cloistered nuns who don pink habits and live totally separate from the external world. For Holy Week, the convent is a particularly pleasant destination for Visita Iglesia with the Stations of the Cross spread out over the serene garden.
Address: Holy Spirit Drive, Brgy. Maitim 2nd East, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Website: http://pinksisterstagaytay.freehostia.com/index.html, Facebook
2. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church (Tagaytay)
Another beloved place of worship in Tagaytay is Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, a large church that can accommodate up to 250 people. The church also features a sprawling plaza and a Candle Chapel for prayers and intentions. Located along the highway, Our Lady of Lourdes is very accessible for the Catholics on a pilgrimage around the city.
Address: Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Junction North, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Website: Facebook
3. Silang Church (Silang, Cavite)
A historic church dating back to the 17th century, Silang Church (Our Lady of Candelaria) is the oldest existing stone church in Cavite. The baroque-style church features beautifully crafted retablos (altarpieces) made in the early 1600s, which incorporated Filipino elements into colonial art. Both the church and retablos are designated National Cultural Treasures.
Address: J. Rizal Street, Silang, Cavite
Website: Facebook
4. St. Benedict Church (Silang, Cavite)
Set near Nuvali by the entrance of Ayala Westgrove Heights, St. Benedict Church is another magnificent church in Silang that’s a convenient stop before getting to Tagaytay. It’s a serene place for prayer, surrounded by manicured gardens and away from the chaos of the city. And it’s a dreamy place to say your vows, with a pristine whitewashed façade, lofty arched ceilings, and plenty of natural light in the daytime.
Address: Ayala Westgrove Heights, Brgy. Inchican, Silang, Cavite
Website: Facebook
5. Taal Basilica (Taal, Batangas)
As the largest Catholic Church in Asia, the Taal Basilica (Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours) is ready for the surge of the devout during Visita Iglesia. The hilltop minor basilica is one of the most famous churches in Tagaytay—not just for its size, but also for its beautiful façade reminiscent of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Boasting a rich history dating back to the founding of Taal in 1575, the church is a must-visit.
Address: Taal, Batangas
Website: Facebook
6. Chapel on the Hill (Calaca, Batangas)
Perched on top of a hill overlooking Tagaytay City, the aptly-named Chapel on the Hill is a pretty chapel that offers a serene space for prayer and contemplation. Beautiful interiors, a unique “labyrinth” floor path, and an immaculately landscaped garden make it one of the sought-after wedding venues in the south.
Address: Don Bosco Batulao, Brgy. Cahil, Calaca, Batangas
Website: Facebook
7. Caleruega Church (Nasugbu, Batangas)
Calaruega Church, also known as Transfiguration Chapel, is one of the most beautiful places in the country for a Catholic wedding. Lush gardens surround the hilltop church, while cobbled steps lead up to the picturesque structure. Bask in the fresh breeze and sweeping scenery of Mt. Batulao—this is a great place for a breather during a whirlwind road trip. Additionally, Caleruega Church is practically next to Chapel on the Hill, so these are two easy stops on your Visita Iglesia tour.
Address: Caleruega, Brgy. Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas
Website: Facebook
Other churches in the area
If you’ve got extra time to squeeze in a few other stops, the following churches are excellent additions to your south Luzon itinerary:
- Tierra de Madre (Tagaytay)
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Tagaytay)
- San Antonio de Padua (Silang, Cavite)
- Holy Family Chapel or Madre de Dios Chapel (Tagaytay Highlands, Talisay, Batangas)
- San Antonio de Padua Batulao (Nasugbu, Batangas)
- Bauan Church (Bauan)
- Balayan Church (Balayan, Batangas)
Visit KKday for more out-of-town ideas! If you’re planning to make a family outing out of your Tagaytay trip, make sure to check out the different travel deals available in the area.
