You Can Go on a Virtual 'Visita Iglesia' This Holy Week

Amid the enhanced community quarantine, Filipino catholics may still observe the tradition "Visita Iglesia" and visit seven churches this Holy Week—even without leaving their homes. 

Google Maps has a useful feature called Street View. It provides a 360-degree view of destinations, including historical churches in the Philippines, so you can virtually explore religious sites as if you were there. 

To use it, simply open Google Maps on the web, type in a destination, and drag the Pegman located at the bottom right of the screen to a specific area on the map. You can also access it through your phone—just input the destination and tap on a place marker! 

Here's a list of some of the local churches you can virtually visit on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday: 

1. San Agustin Church, Intramuros

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Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is considered to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It has become one of the most visited stops during Visita Iglesia season.

Take a tour here. 

2. Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, Sta. Ana, Manila 

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You'll find many notable fixtures and historical ornaments inside this 300-year-old church, including the revered image of its patron, Our Lady of the Abandoned, which was created in Valencia, Spain in 1713.

Take a tour here. 

3. Daraga Church, Albay

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The Daraga church was originally established as a temporary settlement for the residents of Cagsawa during the Mayon Volcano eruption in 1814, and it has been renovated countless times to become a secular place of worship in Albay province.  

Take a tour here. 

4. St. James The Apostle Parish, Pampanga

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With its intricate art painted on its ceilings, St. James The Apostle has also been called the 'Sistine Chapel of the Philippines.' Take a look up at its dome to see images of several Catholic saints painted above. 

Take a tour here. 

5. Saint Gregory The Great Parish Church, Majayjay

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Standing at one of the oldest sites of early Catholicism in Laguna, Saint Gregory The Great Parish has a rich history dating back 1571 and contains antique displays of several saints and old liturgical objects.  

Take a tour here. 

6. Basilica Menor del Santo Nino, Cebu 

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This simple church was declared a basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1965 and was recognized to be a symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines.  

Take a tour here. 

7. San Pedro Cathedral, Davao 

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Located at the heart of Davao City, San Pedro Cathedral is the city’s oldest church and is said to have been established by the first Spanish settlers in the province back in 1847.

Take a tour here.