7 Best Churches in Bataan [Itinerary for Visita Iglesia in Bataan]

By: Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

For your next Visita Iglesia, why not try visiting churches in Bataan? You’ll be surprised by how many gorgeous churches Bataan has.

Spending a Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bataan offers a promising and memorable experience as this place holds significant marks in Philippine history. This mountainous province showcases rich culture and history, as well as numerous exquisite churches that date back during the Spanish era.

Additionally, it has a rising eco-tourism because of various tourist attractions, including white sand beaches, verdant mountain trails, majestic waterfalls, turtle haven, and breathtaking sunsets.

Vernon Raineil Cenzon

A Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bataan means visiting some of the country’s spectacular churches. All churches in Bataan have different stories to tell. A sojourn in one of these churches not only brings you closer to God but also takes you infatuated with Bataan. Here are some of the best seven churches we suggest for your Visita Iglesia in Bataan. Here are the best 7 churches for Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bataan, Simbang Gabi, and Misa de Gallo.

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Table of Contents

1. St. Joseph Cathedral in Balanga in Bataan, Philippines

What makes it one of the best churches in Bataan for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

St. Joseph Cathedral (also known as Balanga Cathedral) is one of the most beautiful churches in the country. It is a must-visit destination for your Visita Iglesia in Bataan. Located in Balanga City, this church was established on April 1, 1741. It is one of the oldest churches in the province. During the Japanese invasion, the cathedral was used as an artillery location to assault the Filipino-American troops stationed in Mt. Samat. It was then renovated to what is today. Its facade and interior feature a wall of bricks, and ceiling lights hung from the ceiling. Its main altar presents a statue of Jesus on the left side, Mother Mary on the right side, and St. Joseph with a young Jesus at the center. With sophisticated designs and a solemn ambiance, St. Joseph Cathedral is definitely one of the best churches in Bataan.

Location: Balanga, Bataan

2. St. Dominic Parish Church in Abucay in Bataan, Philippines

What makes it one of the best churches in Bataan for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

Experience a reflective Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bataan by visiting St. Dominic Parish Church in Abucay. This 17th-century baroque church is the oldest church in Bataan province. It was founded in 1588 and is devoted to St. Dominic of Guzman. In 1608, it housed the earliest printing press in the country. In 1647, it bore witness to the massacre of hundreds of Kapampangans and Spaniards by the Dutch invaders.

Then in 1852, this church acquired major damages due to a massive earthquake. By then, it underwent multiple renovations to look at what it is today. Currently, the church features a two-level, Rennaissance-style facade. It also has a five-tiered bell tower that has a fully defined spindle in each story and is emphasized by semicircular arched windows. With impressive architecture and valuable history to boot, St. Dominic Parish Church is an important destination to stop over during your Visita Iglesia in Bataan.

Location: Abucay, Bataan, Philippines

3. Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church in Morong in Bataan, Philippines

What makes it one of the best churches in Bataan for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

Another heritage church that is definitely worth a visit during your Visita Iglesia in Bataan is the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church. Also known as Nuestra Señora del Pillar Church or simply Pillar Church, this church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Lady of the Pillar (depicted as the Holy Mother carrying the baby Jesus in her arms while resting above a pillar). It was constructed in 1834, and it features a well-preserved adobe framework with a belfry on top of its facade. There are also numerous attractions found near the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church that you can stop by after your devotion to Christ. This includes Mt. Samat National Shrine, Mt. Samat Zipline, Dunsulan Falls, and The Flaming Sword.

Location: Morong, Bataan, Philippines

4. Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary of Orani (Orani Church) in Orani in Bataan, Philippines

What makes it one of the best churches in Bataan for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

This Neoclassical church is a must-visit as this is a historic church that has been an independent parish since 1714. Filled with beautiful carvings and paintings, you will fall in love with this church. It’s peaceful and a designated Pilgrim Shrine for Marian devotees. You could also visit the museum beside it.

Location: Orani, Bataan, Philippines

5. Saint Peter of Verona Parish Church in Hermosa in Bataan, Philippines

What makes it one of the best churches in Bataan for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

Another cultural treasure to visit during your Visita Iglesia in Bataan is Saint Peter of Verona Parish Church in Hermosa. Established in 1717, this heritage church is one of the most celebrated churches in Bataan. It features a baroque-style façade with impressive stained-glass windows. Its major altar illuminates the whole interior and is highly emphasized because of the different saints inside it. Aside from the main altar, it also has a majestic dome that is truly worthy of seeing. With tremendous creativity and artistry evident in the church’s interior and exterior, stopping over at Saint Peter of Verona Parish Church during your Visita Iglesia in Bataan not only helps you achieve a high spirited state but also keeps you rooted in the country’s colonial past.

Location: Hermosa, Bataan

6. Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena in Samal in Bataan, Philippines

What makes it one of the best churches in Bataan for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

Experience a solemn Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bataan by stopping over Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church in Samal. Established in 1596, this church is the second oldest church in the province. One fascinating fact about this church is that it has been rebuilt twice. The first time was in 1647 when the Dutch invaders attacked Bataan and the second is in 1896 when it was burned down by the Katipuneros. As of the current, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church may seem to have the markings of modern-day renovation, but it still maintains its overall colonial motif.

Location: Samal, Bataan

7. San Miguel Arcangel Church (Orion Church) in Orion in Bataan, Philippines

What makes it one of the best churches in Bataan for Visita Iglesia, Holy Week, Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo?

The San Miguel Arcangel Church is one of the most noteworthy churches in the province and is the best destination to kick off your Visita Iglesia in Bataan. Commonly referred to as the Orion Church, this 19th century, Spanish-era-style parish church is one of the oldest churches in Bataan. It features a four-story bell tower and a well-preserved main altarpiece. In 1852, this church was devastated by an earthquake but was eventually repaired in 1854. With a rich story to convey, alongside an intricate interior and exterior architecture, the San Miguel Arcangel Church is a must-visit place during your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bataan.

Location: Orion, Bataan, Philippine

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