LIST: Historic churches around Metro Manila you can visit for Visita Iglesia
Have you planned your route for this year’s Visita Iglesia?
One of the activities traditionally done during the Holy Week is Visita Iglesia, where devotees visit and pray at seven or 14 churches as part of their "panata" or sacred vow during the passion of Jesus Christ. This tradition dates back to the 16th century and was led by St. Philip Neri.
Visita Iglesia usually starts on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, but some do it at the start of the Holy Week. You may opt to do it barefoot and visit nearby churches, or you can go on a long journey and visit some of the historic churches in different cities or municipalities.
In this way, you don’t only get to reflect and repent, but you will also be able to learn more about the rich history and heritage of these churches—a meaningful trip with your family and friends.
Planning to keep your Visita Iglesia within Metro Manila? PhilSTAR L!fe has you covered with a quick list of churches to visit for your panata.
Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish
Location: 7440 Bernardino St., Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City.
A journey to Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church in Guadalupe Viejo is one of the quick ways to revisit the past of the now highly urbanized city of Makati.
Built in 1601, the church has witnessed the Spanish occupation, war, and the ever-changing landscape of Makati. Churchgoers will be treated to stunning stone architecture and furnishings that are reminiscent of its history.
If you can, attend the evening mass at 5 p.m. or join the vigil at the altar of the repose from 7 p.m. to 12 midnight on Maundy Thursday. The church will also hold veneration of the cross at 3 p.m. and the procession of Santo Entierro at 6 p.m. on Good Friday.
Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church (Malate Church)
Location: 2000 M. H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila City.
First built as a friar building in 1588 for Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies), the Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church endured destruction brought by war and calamities. It is one of the oldest churches standing in the Philippines since its reopening in the 1800s and after its great destruction in 1945.
This church is known as the go-to place to pray for the healing of women’s and children's diseases. Some of its highlights are its Baroque-style architecture that perfectly preserved its stone walls, the stunning statue of Our Lady of Remedies, and the bell found at the entrance of the convent which has the inscription, "Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Se fundio en 30 de Enero de 1879.”
The Church will hold a station of the cross, masses, and confessions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Check here for their full Holy Week schedule.
San Sebastian Church
Location: Plaza del Carmen, Brgy. 390, Manila City.
Known as the all-steel Church in East Asia, the San Sebastian Church in Quiapo, Manila has been serving the faithful patrons of Virgin del Carmen for over 400 years now. It was first built in 1891 as a complex that had a college, a seminary, and a courtyard before transforming into a whole church.
It is especially notable for its neo-Gothic architecture designed by Genaro Palacios. The church was designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and as a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.
You can also attend its 5 p.m. mass and reposition of the blessed sacrament on Maundy Thursday. On Good Friday, they will hold a station of the cross at 6:30 a.m., siete palabras, and the procession of Sto. Entierro.
Santuario del Sto. Cristo
Location: 183 F. Blumentritt St., San Juan City.
Built in 1604 and finally became a parish in 1942, the Santuario del Sto. Cristo in San Juan City has also endured numerous destructions and reconstructions. This church has served patrons through the image of Santo Cristo and its second patron Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary for decades now.
It was recognized as a historic structure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1937. The rain trees surrounding it were also named heritage trees in 2016.
The church is also open for mass and vigil and adoration on Maundy Thursday and on Good Friday for way of the cross, mass, and the procession of Sto. Entierro.
San Felipe Neri Parish
Location: Boni Avenue Corner, Aglipay Street, Barangay Poblacion, Mandaluyong City.
Known as the mother church of Mandaluyong City, San Felipe Neri Parish has been in the city since 1863. It was a part of the Sta. Ana de Sapa before it was separated under a Decree vice Royal Pastrono which allowed it to form its own institution.
To this day, churchgoers can reflect and admire its stunning stone walls with twin bell towers that have pyramid-shaped roofs.
The church is open on Maundy Thursday for masses at night and on Good Friday for site palabras, the procession of Sto. Entierro, and soledad.
Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned
Location: J. P. Rizal St. corner V. Gomez St., Sta. Elena, Marikina City.
First built as a chapel in 1630, the parish was officially built in 1690. It houses images of Our Lady of the Abandoned, known for its numerous miracle exhibitions recorded in the early 2000s.
In 2005, it had its first Canonically Crowned Marian image under Pope Benedict XVI's Pontificate, and in 2007, it officially became a Diocesan Shrine.
One of the stunning parts of the parish is the framed painted images on its arch and images of Jesus’ ministry on its ceiling.
It is also open for church activities this Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Cathedral)
Location: P. Oliveros Street, Antipolo, Rizal
If you want to explore churches in the Greater Metro Manila area, the Antipolo Cathedral must be on your checklist. Standing in the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage parish, also known as the Antipolo Cathedral, is a famous spot to go this Lenten season.
The parish was first completed in 1632 and meant to house the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage after its arrival in the country in 1626.
It was officially declared the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in January 1954. It achieved cathedral status in June 1983 upon the canonical erection of the Diocese of Antipolo.
Just in January 2024, it was officially declared a Marian international shrine—the first in Asia and the sixth in the world.
ICYDK, in 1868, the parish was visited by the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal to do a pilgrimage with his father to fulfill his mother’s vow after they both survived his birth.
The church will have its Alay Lakad on Maundy Thursday. Check the road closures here for your guidance.
Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist Parish in Taytay
Location: J. Sumulong, Taytay, Rizal.
Another church you can visit in Rizal is the St. John the Baptist Parish in Taytay. It was first built in 1579 by Franciscan missionaries with light materials and was relocated to its present site in 1591 with the church now built with stone. This would make the chapel the first stone church outside Manila.
In January this year, the Vatican honored the church with minor basilica status—a title given to churches to recognize its “historical or cultural significance, artistic beauty, and importance in the life of the Church.”
This church has a mix of old and modern architectural design; its interior has a high ceiling with wood planks, painted glass windows, and a stunning combination of gold and white furnishings in the altar—contrasting its dull stone exterior.
The church is also open for patrons to join the activities on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.