Cover The Saint Lucy Church at Aringay, La Union (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The Saint Lucy Church at Aringay, La Union (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
1 / 1
Start your visita iglesia journey with these five out-of-town churches
With Holy Week on the horizon, many pilgrims are already planning the most optimal route for their visita iglesia. There are those, however, who like to elevate their yearly traditions with a little road trip. Thankfully, Luzon has plenty of beautiful churches that tell even better stories for a meaningful Lenten Season. From as far as La Union and Ilocos Sur to the close retreats like Rizal, here are five churches, sanctuaries and basilicas that you need to visit for Holy Week.
More from Tatler: 5 road trip destinations near Metro Manila for Holy Week 2025
Monasterio de Tarlac
The facade of Monasterio de Tarlac (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
1 / 5
Located at the peak of Mount Resurreccion, the Monasterio de Tarlac is a popular holy site where pilgrims start or end their journeys. Upon entering the massive compound, you are greeted by the main church where masses are usually held. As you venture deeper, you’ll find a 30-foot statue of the Risen Christ overlooking a breathtaking view of Tarlac’s mountains and fields.
The highlight of the Monasterio de Tarlac is a small chapel with a small box within its tabernacle. Inside is a relic—a fragment of the True Cross—which is believed to have been a piece of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Minor Basilica and Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Charity
Above The Agoo Church’s facade (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Above Inside the Agoo Church (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The Agoo Church’s facade (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
1 / 2
Situated in the heart of La Union’s oldest town, Agoo, this church was founded in 1578 by Franciscan Friars Juan Bautista Lucarelli and Sebastian de Baeza. In 1892, the original parish was destroyed by an earthquake and was rebuilt in the following year. The current church we see was constructed in 1975 and was elevated to the rank of Basilica Minore by Pope John Paul II on July 15, 1982, under the petition of Bishop Salvador Lazo through Archbishop Bruno Torpigliani, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
See also: When in Vancouver: 5 places to visit
St Lucy Parish
Above Inside the Saint Lucy Church (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Above The statue of Saint Lucy on the second floor (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Inside the Saint Lucy Church (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
1 / 2
Established in 1736 under the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Fernando de La Union, the St Lucy Parish in Aringay is dedicated to the patron saint of the blind. The church has weathered many calamities over the centuries, such as the earthquake in 1892 that destroyed much of its original structure and another earthquake in 1990, which damaged its belfry. The people of La Union, however, persevered and continued to rebuild to what we see today—a beautiful church inside of a small compound where locals can celebrate festivals and community events.
Tatler Tip: Visitors are free to view the statue of Saint Lucy on the second floor of the church.
Regina RICA
Above Mother Mary Statue at Regina RICA (Photo: bonel_pogi/Tripadvisor.com)
Mother Mary Statue at Regina RICA (Photo: bonel_pogi/Tripadvisor.com)
1 / 1
Relatively near the Metro on the slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountain in Tanay, Rizal, the Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia (RICA) is a 13.5-hectare space dedicated to Mother Mary. Since its founding on March 19, 2009, Regina RICA has welcomed millions of pilgrims from all walks of life. Many visitors claim to have received waves of healing during their walks in the solemn grounds. One such instance is when Regina RICA’s founder, Sister Eppie Brasil, had a miraculous healing from Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease.
As soon as you enter the site, it’s difficult to miss the 71-foot statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding valley. Go further down the path, and you’ll find yourself in the Rosary Garden—a tranquil area with life-size depictions of the Mysteries of the Rosary.
Santa Maria Church (Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption)
Above Sta Maria Church (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/M0N MD)
Sta Maria Church (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/M0N MD)
1 / 1
Originally a visita of the municipality of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the Santa Maria Church grew to become an independent ministry dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption in 1769. On June 11, 1978, the Santa Maria Church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and in 2015, recognised as one of the National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines by the National Museum. The church was elevated to the rank of Basilica Minore by Pope Francis on November 18, 2024, making it the second basilica of Ilocos Sur.
Legend has it: Before the Santa Maria Church was built, the Virgin Mary statue was enshrined at the barangay of Bulala. The statue would frequently disappear, and the townsfolk would find it atop a guava tree where the church stands today.
NOW READ
First look at the future: A primer to Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan and its six-month run
Discover these off-the-beaten-path campsites in the Philippines for your next adventure
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
