STOP OVER AT DARAGA ALBAY

After my long travel via Philtranco Bus, I arrived at Daraga Albay. I asked the locals for the direction going to Mt. Mayon but they said that going there is not easy because of the bad weather. They suggested that I can view the Mt. Mayon at Our Lady of the Gate Parish.

Short history, Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church in Daraga, Albay is an 18th century baroque church poised on a hill with commanding views of the sea and Mayon Volcano. It's stone masons suffused the facade with statuary, carvings, alcoves and niches at different levels. This Church was built after the eruption of Mayon Volcano which covered the original church of the town at Cagsawa.

From the top of the hill where the church is located, I saw the Mt. Mayon but sadly I did not find the tip of the volcano because it was covered with clouds. But I am so thankful that for the first time in my life I was able to step here in Albay.

The structure of the church was so fascinating. Its architectural design was wonderful, considering that it was built on top of the hill. I took pictures and enjoyed the scenic view of the Mt. Mayon. Situated on top of a hill above the bustling town, the Daraga Church is one of the many reasons why tourists flock to the province of Albay.

How to get to Our Lady of the Gate Parish?

 From Legazpi, take a Daraga-Legazpi jeepney and ask to be dropped off near Daraga municipal hall. The stairs beside the municipal hall lead up to the church.