Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of a 16th century Franciscan church, the Cagsawa church. It was originally built in the town of Cagsawa in 1587 but was burned down and destroyed by Dutch pirates in 1636. It was rebuilt in 1724 by Fr. Francisco Blanco, but was destroyed again, along with the town of Cagsawa, on Feb. 1, 1814, during the eruption of the Mayon Volcano.
On February 1, 1814, The Mayon Volcano had its most violent eruption in recorded history, destroying the entire town of Cagsawa. Over a thousand people were killed in the disaster, including hundreds who sought refuge in the stone church during the eruption, but were tragically engulfed by the fast-flowing volcanic matter.
CAGSAWA CHURCH BEFORE THE ERUPTION
Survivors of the 1814 eruption resettled into the nearby Daraga, which was then a mere barrio of the destroyed town of Cagsawa, and decided to merge the two. However, the Cagsawa church should not be confused with the intact church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria locally known as the Daraga Church, built in 1773 and also located in the municipality of Daraga.
Today, the Cagsawa ruins are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Albay province, as they are set against the magnificent backdrop of their very maker, the Mayon Volcano. Equal parts historic and scenic, the site, now named Cagsawa Ruins Park, was even declared a national cultural treasure.
Explore the sights of Albay in Bicol region and witness Bicolano artistry at its finest with this day tour. Visit the famous cone-shaped Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City. Discover where locally made handicrafts are created and make a wish centuries-old churches.
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