Exploring the Cagsawa Ruins: A Piece of History in Albay
The bell tower is the only structure left after the 1814 eruption of Mayon and a testament to the dangers of living in the shadows of an active volcano.
The Cagsawa ruins park (also known as Kagsawa or Cagsaua) is the remnants of a 16th-century church in Albay (Bicol region) of the Philippines. Some genius built the Cagsawa church a mere 11km to the South of Mayon, an active stratovolcano.
Today, the church’s bell tower is the only remaining architectural structure left at the national park after the massive 1814 eruption of Mayon. The converted ruins are a favorite park where local festivals take place. The ruins are a tourist draw as the area has many Mayon-themed activities surrounding it.
The structure has stood for the past 200 years but will (eventually) succumb to earthquakes and eruptions of Mayon – a testament to the dangers of living in such proximity to an active volcano.
Through the viewfinder
Cagsawa Ruins Uncensored
When you explore this historic Philippine destination, the first thing you’ll notice is how much destruction there is and how far away Mayon is from the church. The scale and amount of devastation put things into perspective that humans are just along for the wild ride that nature has in store for us.
Check the weather and plan your trip when Mayon’s summit is cloud-free. Typically this is early morning, but cloud cover shifts quickly based on the wind patterns.
Everything you need to know before you visit the Cagsawa Ruins
CURRENT WEATHER
overcast clouds
AIR QUALITY
Good
GPS COORDINATIONS
13.1661, 123.7011
HIGH SEASON (MOST EXPENSIVE)
April – August
November – January
LOW SEASON (LEAST EXPENSIVE)
September – October February – March