Located in the busy Peñaranda Street, in front of Plaza Rizal, in Legazpi City, the St. Raphael Church stands as one of the historical sites found in the province of Albay in the Philippines.
Also known as the Church of Legazpi, the St. Raphael Church is probably one of the less antique-looking old churches found in the country. For some, the current church that stands today looks like a modern church without any historical value unless they thoroughly research about it or see the National Historical Marker found on the left side of the facade.
In its history, from 1587 to 1616, the spiritual administration of the Church of Legazpi was under the Cagsaua (or Cagsawa), a town where one can see the Cagsawa Ruins which was buried by the Mayon Volcano in 1814.
St. Raphael Church from Plaza Rizal
The Church of Legazpi together with several houses, was buried in 1754. After the eruption of Mt. Mayon on February 1, 1814, half of the town was destroyed including the new church. In 1856, the old name Pueblo Viejo was officially changed to Legazpi. The present church was built in 1834, mainly through the generosity of Pedro Romero.
The St Raphael Church was broadly dented in the 2nd World War and has since been reconstructed to its present form. There were countless renovations and paintings in both the interior and exterior of the church which makes someone think it’s just a church made a couple of decades ago.
One of the exceptional attractions of the current St. Raphael Church is its altar table made of a single block of solid hardened lava. The feast day of the church is every 24th of October which is also celebrated as the fiesta of Legazpi Port and coincides with the yearly Ibalong Festival.
Another centuries-old church which can be found in Legazpi are St. Gregory the Great Cathedral found near Peñaranda Park which is 3 kilometers southwest of St. Rafael Church and Daraga Church which is about 6 kilometers heading west.
How to get there
St. Raphael Church is 3 kilometers east of Legazpi Airport. Take a tricycle (P15) going directly to this old church. If the driver takes you to F. Imperial St., you will see the Battle of Legazpi Monument, near LCC Mall, when you reach the Quezon Avenue intersection.
Anti-abortion
Church Interior
Church of Legazpi Marker
Church of Legazpi
Grotto
Mark, Lisa and Sam at St. Raphael Church
Mass Schedule
Reflection Area
St. Raphael the Archangel
Wall Decorations
Church Altar
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
well i was baptise here the organization that i made is in here im prex seminarist blessed sacrament member i was also singer memeber and when i was a child i was a sacrestan