Calvary Hills: Stations of the Cross in Cagayan Valley
MANILA, Philippines - Looking for a unique Lenten experience? There is an awesome place up in Cagayan Valley worth visiting — the Calvary Hills of Iguig, which boasts of 11 hectares of rolling terrain upon which lie close to six-meter high statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Created in 1982 following the idea of parish priest Rogelio Cortez, the statues are colorful and life-like, providing a memorable destination for Lent.
The statues stretch out four hectares behind the Church of San Antonio de Galicia, one of the few remaining Catholic churches in the country that feature a buttress.
The Church of San Antonio de Galicia is a masterpiece in bricks. Said to have been built from 1765 to 1787, its facade seems to have a story of its own, waiting to be discovered by anyone who sets foot inside.
The church also has a brick stairway that goes straight into the river. It was said to have been used by Spaniards and merchants who traveled from town to town. An old well can also be found within the church grounds.
Calvary Hills is one of the most photographed attractions in Cagayan Valley not only because of the statues but also because of its stark beauty. From the hills, one can have a view of Cagayan River and the surrounding countryside.
This Lenten season, experience a literally unique pilgrimage to Calvary Hills in Iguig. If you’re looking to travel via bus, there’s no better guide for your journey than Victory Liner.
Just take a Tuguegarao-bound bus from Victory Liner’s terminal on East Avenue in Kamias, Quezon City. From Tuguegarao, it is easy to take a tricycle to get to Iguig. Tuguegarao has many hotels to choose from, like Hotel Roma, which is right in the heart of the city. The whole 12-hour trip to Tuguegarao is a pilgrimage in itself for you can hop off the bus from time to time and visit countless antique churches on the way to Tuguegarao.
You also get to do a Visita Iglesia and Stations of the Cross in one journey. For Victory Liner’s East Avenue terminal bus schedules for Tuguegarao, call 920-7396 or 921-3296.
