7 Best Churches in Cavite for Visita Iglesia

Another great option for a Visita Iglesia from Manila is the Province of Cavite.  Cavite has some century-old churches that are at par or similar to the ones in other provinces of CALABARZON and promises a great itinerary for Visita Igelsia.  In fact, when I did my Cavite Visita Iglesia, I was surprised to find out some churches that are not even talked about when one is planning a Visita Iglesia.

Here is my suggested list of 7 Churches in Cavite for Visita Iglesia.  Of course, there are other century old churches in Cavite worth visiting on top of this list.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH (Bacoor)

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Bacoor was initially built in 1669 and was regarded as one of the oldest churches in the Province of Cavite.  The current structure was built between 1824 to 1972 and was made of adobe and tegula.  Thousands of egg whites were utilized to bond the huge boulders of adobe.  Interestingly, this church used to be bigger than what it is today.  Its extensions where removed because of too much space.

ST. MAGDALENE CHURCH (Kawit)

The First President of the Philippines, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was baptized here in 1869.  Originally built in 1638 by 6 rich Filipino families from Maragondon and Silang, the Church of St Magdalene in Kawit is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.  The current structure was built in 1737 and had a major facelift in 1990.  The church is administered by the Recollect Fathers.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH (General Trias)

First built in 1769 and enlarged in 1834, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in General Trias has undergone several restoration and renovation after several earthquakes.  The current structure is the result of the 1991 renovation that that restored the original look of the church.  The church’s altar is decorated with ornately curved statues of saints and looks very similar to the Silang Church.  The church od St. Francis of Assisi in General Trias bears the seal of the National Historical Institute.

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH (Maragondon)

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Maragondon has a strikingly tall bell tower with no clear division between its floors and has a plain and very simple façade not common in churches built in the 17^th century.  It has, however, a very ornate door divided into frames with different floral designs and has shapes of ships and castles all carved in the wooden door.  The church bears the seal of the National Historical Institute

OUR LADY OF CANDLES CHURCH (Silang)

First built in 1585, the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria in Silang has baroque style architecture without any elaborate design in its very simple façade.  Like its exteriors, it does not also have magnificent ornaments on its pilasters.  The grandness of the church is in its altar which contains various images of Jesus, Mary and Saints depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR CATHEDRAL (Imus)

Imus Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Imus and Our Lady of the Pillar as the titular Patroness of the Province of Cavite.  Originally built in 1795, the present church has old Hispanic architecture made from stone and colored bricks and was completed from 1821 to 1840. Manila’s current Cardinal – Antonio Cardinal Tagle previously headed the Diocese of Imus prior to his appointment as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila and eventually elevated to the ranks of Cardinals.

OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH (Dasmarinas)

First built in 1866, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Dasmarinas has neo-classical design with a patio located in the front doors.  The façade has 2 bell towers each with 4 levels.  The side walls are flanked by thick buttresses to strengthen the wall against earthquakes.  The church was the site of a bloody battle between the Spanish and Filipino troops during the Philippine Revolution.  The church of Dasmarinas bears the seal of the National Historical Institute.

TAKE NOTE

I drove my way using Waze when I did Cavite Visita Iglesia.  Actually I covered 14 churches in one day.  So as to how to get to these churches using public transportation, I do not have the full details but it’s easy to go to Cavite.  If coming from Manila, I suggest you start in Bacoor first then from Bacoor, the succeeding churches can be reached by jeepneys already.

HASSLE FREE VISITA IGLESIA

For a hassle free Visita Iglesia this Holy Week, join the Cavite Visita Iglesia of J8 Travel Services organized every Maundy Thursday. For inquiries, email travel@j8travelservices.com.