Holy Week in the Philippines is marked not only by quiet reflection and prayer, but also by the deeply rooted tradition of Visita Iglesia.
Practiced by many Filipino Catholics, this devotion involves visiting several churches—usually seven—while praying and meditating on the Stations of the Cross on Holy Thursday or Good Friday.
As one of the most predominantly Catholic nations in the world, a legacy of Spanish colonization that began in the 1500s, the country is rich in centuries-old churches as well as striking modern chapels.
Scattered across bustling cities, remote towns, mountainsides, and even beneath the sea, these sacred spaces reflect both faith and Filipino artistry.
This list spotlights beautiful churches and chapels around the country that have not yet been featured in PEP.ph’s (Philippine Entertainment Portal) previous lists.
Mark them as must-visit destinations for your next Visita Iglesia or trip in the coming months.
BEAUTIFUL CHAPELS AND CHURCHES AROUND METRO MANILA
Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, Manila
Location: 638 Mendiola St, San Miguel, Manila, 1005 Metro Manila
Located along Mendiola Street in the San Miguel district of Manila, the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat is an imposing Neo-Gothic structure with twin towers, stained glass windows, and a richly adorned interior that reflects Benedictine solemnity.
Founded in 1895 by Spanish monks, it serves as the motherhouse of the Benedictine Order in the Philippines and is closely tied to San Beda University, which stands within the abbey grounds.
According to SanBeda.edu.ph, the neo-Gothic church was designed by Swedish architect George Asp and features paintings by Fr. Lesmes Lopez, OSB, including scenes from the childhood of Jesus above the main altar and allegories of virtues on the ceiling, with decorative embellishments by Dom Salvador Alberich, OSB.
In 2012, a newer mural by Italian painter Francesco Giannini was added to the rear wall, depicting the history of the Benedictines in the Philippines.
National Shrine of the Sacred Heart
Location: 4 Sacred Heart St., San Antonio Village, Makati City
Located within the Makati Seminary complex, the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart features a modern design with clean lines, a spacious nave, and an altar dominated by a striking image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Established as a place of national devotion and declared a shrine in 2000, it has long been associated with priestly formation and plays a significant role in promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart in the Philippines.
@keifrncsco National Shrine of the Sacred Heart - Makati Got a chance to visit this beautiful church in Makati ???????? #Catholic #CatholicChurch #SacredHeart #Makati ? Sacred Heart of Jesus, Font of Love - The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish Church (Guadalupe Church)
Location: 7440 Bernardino St., Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City
Standing in stark contrast to the rapid urban development around it, the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish Makati, also known as the Guadalupe Church, preserves a rural, Spanish-era charm with its stone façade and thick walls.
Founded by Augustinian friars in the early 1600s, it is among the oldest functional churches in Metro Manila and has survived wars, earthquakes, and modernization.
Santísimo Rosario Parish (UST CHURCH)
Location: Ceferino Gonzales drive, University of Santo Tomas, Espana Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila
Located at the heart of the University of Santo Tomas campus in Sampaloc, the Santisimo Rosario Parish, also known as the UST Church, is a Neo-Gothic landmark distinguished by its pointed arches, rose window, and towering spires, as well as its rare all-steel construction that sets it apart from other churches in Asia.
Built between 1924 and 1933 and consecrated in 1946 after surviving World War II—during which it served as an internment site—the church stands as both a place of worship and a powerful symbol of resilience and faith in Philippine history.
Our Lady of Lourdes CHAPEL
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Civic Drive, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Alabang, Muntinlupa City has a welcoming, contemporary design that complements its spacious grounds and peaceful ambiance.
Built in the post-war period, it reflects the expansion of Catholic communities in southern Metro Manila as residential areas began to flourish.
St. John Paul II Chapel
Location: 6523 Bradco Avenue corner Imao Street, Aseana City, Parañaque City
Named in honor of the beloved Polish pope, St. John Paul II Chapel features a contemporary design with warm wood accents.
Built in the years following Pope John Paul II’s canonization, the chapel stands as a modern space of devotion that celebrates his enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and engagement with the youth and lay communities.
ST. JOSEPH Chapel (LAS CASAS DE ACUZAR CHAPEL)
Location: 134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City
Modeled after Spanish colonial churches, the Las Casas de Acuzar Chapel showcases intricate woodwork, stone walls, and period-style details.
It was constructed as part of a heritage resort project that involved relocating and restoring antique structures to revive Filipino-Spanish architectural traditions.
BEAUTIFUL CHAPELS AND CHURCHES IN PROVINCES
La Virgen Milagrosa CHAPEL
Location: Badoc, Ilocos Norte
La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel, also known as the Chapel of the Miraculous Virgin, is a small beachfront chapel in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, where the legendary landing site of the revered Marian image.
Its simple, sea-inspired design, and peaceful oceanfront setting reflect the town’s deep devotion to La Virgen Milagrosa.
The devotion dates back to 1620, when a statue of the Virgin Mary—believed to have arrived by sea—was entrusted to Badoc after fishermen from neighboring towns found they could not move it.
SANTIAGO APOSTOL PARIS (Betis Church)
Location: Guagua, Pampanga
Often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines,” the Santiago Apostol Parish, also known as Betis Church, is renowned for its lavish ceiling murals and richly decorated interior.
Originally established in 1607 by the Jesuits, it reflects Pampanga’s long-standing reputation for artistic excellence and religious devotion.
SUNKEN SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Location: Bacolor, Pampanga
Often referred to as the Sunken Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, this Marian shrine is part of the lahar-buried St. Guillermo Parish Church complex, where devotees descend below ground level to reach the image.
It became a powerful symbol of faith and resilience after the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, when thick lahar deposits partially submerged the church and transformed it into a lasting reminder of Bacolor’s tragic yet enduring history.
Caleruega Church
Location: Bgry. Caylaway, Batulao, Calleruega Rd., Batangas
Perched on a hill in Nasugbu, Caleruega Church captivates visitors with its stone steps, terraced gardens, and rustic chapel overlooking sweeping landscapes.
Developed by the Dominican Order in the 1990s, it was named after Caleruega, Spain—the birthplace of St. Dominic.
CHAPEL OF SAN GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL (Simbahang Bato)
Location: Laurel, Batangas
Simbahang Bato, also known as the Chapel of San Gabriel the Archangel, is a cave-turned-chapel located in Barangay San Gabriel, Laurel, Batangas. Often described as a stone church shaped by nature, it blends natural rock formations with faith, creating a striking open-air place of worship.
Local oral tradition holds that the cave was considered sacred even before it became a chapel and was once surrounded by dense trees and wildlife, with stories of mysterious sounds and warnings against entering without respect.
During the Spanish and American periods, it served as a refuge during wars and natural calamities, and was later formally established as a chapel by Father Ben Meraña, who dedicated it to Saint Gabriel the Archangel.
OUR LADY OF LINDOGON SHRINE (SIMALA SHRINE)
Location: Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu
Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, more commonly known as Simala Shrine or Simala Church, is a well-known Catholic pilgrimage site located in Barangay Lindogon (Simala), Sibonga, Cebu.
Perched on a hill often called Marian Hill, it is easily recognizable for its grand, castle-like architecture and strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The shrine was founded in 1998 by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration, who originally came from Pampanga. What started as a simple chapel housing a statue of Our Lady of Fatima gradually grew into today’s elaborate complex through donations from devotees.
Now, it is a major destination for pilgrims seeking prayer, healing, and reflection.
Monte Cueva Shrine
Location: Sitio Basak, Barangay Rizal, Maasin City, Southern Leyte
Monte Cueva Shrine—also known as the Monte Cueva Asuncion de la Virgen Shrine or the Shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus and Our Lady of the Assumption—is a distinctive Catholic pilgrimage site located in Sitio Basak, Barangay Rizal, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.
Built around a small natural cave, the shrine uniquely preserves its original rock formations, constant dripping water, and rugged cave features, creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence.
It was built following a dream of landowner and lawyer Joaquin “Odong” Chung Jr.—in which the Lady of the Assumption asked that a shrine be built on the property.
Acting on this vision, the Chung family transformed the cave into a chapel and later donated the land to the Diocese of Maasin, which established it as a diocesan shrine dedicated to both Our Lady of the Assumption and the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.
Today, Monte Cueva is a favored destination for Marian devotees and pilgrims, particularly during Good Friday, Marian feast days, and Sunday pilgrimages.
CHURCH of the Transfiguration OF THE LORD
Location: San Jose, Malaybalay, Bukidnon
Also known as Abbey of the Transfiguration, this pyramidal structure designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin is more than just a chapel.
It is Benedictine monastery, which was established in 1983.
It also has a 15-room retreat house, a two-storey museum, and a farm.
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