Filipinos hold the Holy Week close to their hearts. It’s not just an observance but a way of professing one’s faith and devotion. One particular tradition that is truly cherished is Visita Iglesia, or the visiting of seven churches to pray and reflect. Each Holy Thursday, families and friends travel across cities, with some even crossing city borders to honor the Lenten devotion while also immersing themselves in cultural appreciation and personal introspection.
Lucky for us, as the largest Christian nation in Asia and the third-largest Catholic population in the world, behind Brazil and Mexico (our cousins practically), there is no shortage of churches that welcome people from different walks of life—not to mention that we have so many beautiful churches across the country.
In the country’s capital, Metro Manila, the tradition takes on a vibrant character, as Visita Iglesia blends devotion with culture through historical churches that offer sacred significance and architectural splendor. On this Visita itinerary, we’ll start off from the south, head our way to the west, then to the east, before hitting it off up north.
Baclaran Church
Among this list, Baclaran Church is probably the outlier in terms of architectural design. The church’s modern structure contrasts with the older colonial churches we’ll mention in this article, which symbolizes the rise of Catholicism in the country. Formally known as the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, it was founded by the Redemptorist Fathers, known for their devotion to spreading teachings about the Virgin Mary. Its profound historical, cultural, and religious significance catapulted the church to its center of Catholic devotion status, as it was named the “most visited” church in the country — transcending geographic and social boundaries.
San Agustin Church (Intramuros)
Even off Holy Week season, San Agustin Church is still heavily visited by churchgoers, devotees, and those who simply want to experience going to the country’s oldest stone church. The church serves as the most iconic landmark of Spanish colonial heritage, which is why, to this day, it remains a symbol of enduring faith and Filipino heritage.
Manila Cathedral
Also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, another historical church located in Intramuros stands as a powerful symbol of the country’s Catholic faith and colonial past. This Neo-Romanesque and Renaissance Revival style church is the central church of the country—highlighting its global ecclesiastical importance, after it hosted four papal visits, from Pope Paul VI (1970), Pope John Paul II (1981 & 1995), and more recently, Pope Francis (2015).
Quiapo Church
One of the churches that needs no introduction. The first thing that pops into your mind when you hear Quiapo Church is probably the Black Nazarene or the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, celebrated every 9th of January (hopefully not, Coco Martin). Officially known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, the church has witnessed numerous important events in Philippine history, including the rise of the Christian faith since its founding in 1586 by the Spanish Franciscan order.
To this day, that line from Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, “Ang mundo ay isang Quiapo”, still holds true. Quiapo church is a symbol of Filipino identity and resilience. Even truer when you complete the line, “Makipot, masikip, at puno ng taong nakikipagsiksikan. Kung gusto mong makaraan, kailangang makipagsiksikan.”
Antipolo Cathedral
Another well-loved and well-visited church, even off-Holy Week season, is the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, or more commonly known as Antipolo Church. Remember the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade? Yes, the key trade route that connected the Philippines and Mexico from 1565 to 1815. One of its trade souvenirs is the statue of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage when it was entrusted to the Augustinian Recollects. Enshrined in the Antipolo Church, the statue quickly became associated with safe travels and protection. The 450-year-old church was formally declared in 2024 as an international Catholic shrine, making it the first international Catholic shrine in the country and in Southeast Asia.
Barasoain Church
Now, heading up north, we go first to one of the most historically significant churches in the country. Located in Malolos, Bulacan, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, or more commonly known as Barasoain Church, is deeply connected to the birth of the First Philippine Republic and the Philippine Revolution. It is also referred to as the “Cradle of Philippine Democracy” as it was a key landmark during the revolution against Spanish colonial rule. To begin with, the First Philippine Republic was proclaimed in this very church. The Malolos Constitution, the first republican constitution in Asia, was drafted during a session of the Malolos Congress within the walls of Barasoain Church.
Our Lady of the Grotto
Another major pilgrimage site is The Our Lady of the Grotto Shrine, located in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. During the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, held annually every February 11 and during Holy Week, large groups of faithful visit the shrine to offer prayers and seek the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Grotto is an integral part of religious culture, not just in Bulacan, but in the country.
Manaoag Church
Dedicated to Our Lady of Manaoag, the revered title of the Virgin Mary, its statue is believed to have miraculous powers—granting prayers for healing, safety, and protection. Founded by the Dominican Order in 1600, the church is one of the country’s most visited pilgrimage sites—nurturing the deeply ingrained Filipino spirituality. This is one of the reasons why the church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.
As you embark on a journey to visit these iconic Filipino churches and take part in the spiritual pilgrimage this Holy Week, it’s important to ensure that your trip remains smooth, safe, and uninterrupted. A reliable car battery is essential to make sure that your travels are not disrupted, allowing you to focus solely on the solemnity and reflection of the day. Motolite, the country’s leading car battery brand, trusted across the Philippines for its performance, durability, and dependability, ensures your car starts smoothly every time.
With Motolite, you can be confident that your vehicle will endure the “pangmatagalang” drive to these sacred sites without any concerns, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the cultural, historical, and spiritual experience at these historic landmarks. Keep your journey intact with a battery that works as reliably as your faith.
