This historic church of Our Lady of the Gate stands on a hill top overlooking the bustling town of Daraga. One has to climb either by foot or automobile up the slope-road in order to behold the grand facade of this National Historic Masterpiece believed to be built by many "daraga" (ladies) of this town. So the legend goes that after the great distraction of the Church below (the Cagsawa Ruins Park), while the men where foraging or hunting for food, the women of the town built by bare hands bringing stone-by-stone up the hill so that their church would never again to be destroyed by the raging Mount Mayon. What wonders did this women accomplished then. This church stands as a living testimony of the faith of the very people that built this church - strong and enduring!
The patron saint is called "Our Lady of the Gate".... Older church which is made of volcanic rocks and lime. The church sits up the hill and again, the Mt. Mayon can be viewed from the front of the church.
做jeepney来到麦当劳,然后往jollibee方向走,走过jollibee再向右转走一小段就可以看到教堂的指引牌。教堂在一座小山上,走完一段弯弯的坡道,就看到教堂了。有人说会收费,但我们那天傍晚去的,直接就进去了。教堂门口有一大块广场,看到有很多当地的学生放学了来到这儿玩耍。在广场上可以远眺马荣火山,如果天公作美,那就可以一睹马荣火山的壮伟身姿。教堂自身的历史很久远,但就建筑特色来说挺普通的,毕竟是小镇上的教堂,内部也乏善可陈。
A visit to this church can be both historically enlightening and spiritually refreshing depending on the visitor's personal disposition. While its location provides a convenient vantage point for observing the not so distant Mayon; the view from here is at most satisfactory as nothing really beats the view you get of the same when you're up close. It's a long and arduous uphill trek and can make up a sweat if you come here on foot. But, if you don't have a car and don't want to sweat it out, you can always hire a trimobile to take you on top but expect to be charged a few pesos more for the long, hard and sustained step on the gas.
Whenever I'm within the vicinity I always make it a point to drop by the church of the Nuestra Senora de Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate) or simply Daraga Church. From here one would see both the Mayon Volcano and Lignon Hill, and the surrounding town of Daraga. The church is picturesque, and old. It is whitewashed outside to preseve the structure. Best to come here either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when clouds don't cover much of Mayon yet. The church is on top of a hill, quite steep, a little caution when going by wheels, and a little exercise when going on foot. :-D
This place is an antique. Situated over a hill overlooking across the Mayon, I feel this here is the most breathtaking view in Legaspi to admire both historical landmarks/landscapes. This church's walls, structure, its setting tells a story how long ago this church was built, its location and purpose serving the community - then and now. It's definitely worth the visit!
The church has an overlooking view of the volcano. You must go there early morning so that you have clear view of Mt Mayon.
When in Legaspi might as well, a great additional side trip to compliment a trip to Donsol Sorsogon.
Darag church was buildt in 1773 so you will see a style which reminds you of the St. Pauls church in Macau. A very historic church with a fabulous view of Mayon volcano. IMHO, you get the best view of Mayon Volcano from this location as well. Breathtaking views of the valley. If you visit Legapi City, try your best to visit this church. apparently a famous restaurant is also located in this area, Red Labuyo resto.
The Church was beautiful inside, but as soon as you step out, vendors and beggars abound. Not a good place for photo ops.