Experience Philippines Like a Local: 30 Hidden landmarks and archaeological sites Gems to Discover
Welcome to Philippines . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 30 must-see landmarks and archaeological sites that will inspire your sense of adventure. If you’re looking to experience Philippines like a local, we’ve got you covered with 30 hidden landmarks and archaeological sites gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 30 thrilling landmarks and archaeological sites that will get your heart racing.
Information about Philippines
The Philippines is located in the Asian continent on the western border of the Pacific Ocean, and shares its maritime borders with China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan. This strategic location made it a passage for the most important global trade routes. There are thousands of small islands scattered in the Philippines, estimated at 7641 islands, and the number of inhabited islands is about 2000 islands, and the total population in the country is about 100 million people. There are many scenic natural features in the Philippines, including many waterfalls, such as Tamumaluq Falls, and caves such as Sumanig Cave. The Philippines is divided into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and the capital of the country is Manila. The name of the Philippines comes from the name of King Philip II of Spain. It is one of the environmentally diverse countries, as there are about 2,000 species of animals, and many rare plant and tree species. It is one of the countries in which there are many archaeological and historical monuments, as it was occupied by many civilizations and empires throughout history and left many amazing monuments.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Philippines
Looking for the best landmarks and archaeological sites in Philippines? Look no further than our carefully curated list, selected by our team based on visitor ratings and reviews to help make your trip planning a breeze.
1- Church of the Gesu
Church of the Gesu – The Gisu Roman Catholic Church is one of Quezon City’s wonderful religious destinations, with its avant-garde architecture and architecture, a huge triangular structure symbolizing the Holy Trinity, and colorful religiously painted windows. This church covers an area of 10,200 square meters, and is surrounded by spacious green spaces on all sides.
Place address: Katipunan Ave Ateneo de Manila Campus, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines
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2- Basilica del Santo Nino
Basilica del Santo Nino – It is a chapel and the oldest Catholic church in Cebu City in the Philippines that was founded in 1565 by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera. This famous church dates back to the early Spanish colonial era. You can find in this church the miraculous image of Santo Nino (Baby Jesus).
Place address: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
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3- San Sebastian Church
San Sebastian Church – San Sebastian, built of steel in 1891 AD, the stunning Roman Catholic Church is located in the heart of the city, and it is one of the historical attractions that attract many lovers of majestic Gothic architecture and engineering. With its steel vaults, stained glass windows and towering towers, this church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.
Place address: Pasaje del Carmen St, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines
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4- The Santo Domingo Church and Convent
The Santo Domingo Church and Convent – Officially known as the “National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary”, the Santo Domingo Church and Monastery is one of the largest churches in Asia, and is one of the city’s symbols and landmarks of significant cultural and historical significance, as it was the headquarters of the Dominican Order in the Philippines. The most important thing that distinguishes this church is its most wonderful architectural character, as it combines the art of decoration (Art Deco) and the modern Spanish style.
Place address: 537 Quezon Ave, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
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5- Monastery of the Holy Eucharist
Monastery of the Holy Eucharist – The shrine, known as the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament, is located on top of a high hill. It is one of the most visited places on the island. It has a majestic and massive castle-like architecture with turquoise ceilings and a concrete base. Its entrance stairs rise from the floor of a tropical forest all the way to the large structure. In this place, offerings are made to the Virgin Mary in exchange for miracles.
Place address: Marian Hills, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines
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6- Our Lady of Light Church
Our Lady of Light Church – The Church of Our Lady of Light is the largest church on the island of Bohol, and it is called the Church of Color. It was founded by the Jesuits in 1753 AD, and it has a distinctive late Baroque architecture (Rococo). There is a small garden that is visited by many people, both adults and children, to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the church and read books under the lush trees.
Place address: Loon, Bohol, Philippines
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7- Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene – One of the oldest and most impressive Catholic churches in Manila, the Lesser Church of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) derives its fame from the venerated statue of Jesus (the Black Nazarene) dating back to the 17th century, as well as its distinctive architecture and impressively spacious exterior. Interesting.
Place address: Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines
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8- Miag-ao Church (Santo Tomas de Villanueva)
Miag-ao Church (Santo Tomas de Villanueva) – The Church of Miaj or (Saint Thomas de Villanueva) was built in the eighteenth century AD in the style of Spanish Baroque architecture with a touch of Chinese and Filipino style, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 AD. This church takes the form of a castle and was previously used to defend the city against invaders, and today it is one of the wonderful historical and archaeological sites.
Place address: J6RP+P54, Zulueta Ave, Miagao, 5023 Iloilo, Philippines
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9- Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy
Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy – Known as the “Monastery of the Pink Sisters”, the Monastery of Divine Mercy Worship is located near the center of Tagaytay Town and is one of the most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites and religious shrines in the Philippines; In addition, it is characterized by a calm atmosphere, a picturesque outdoor patio with a square nature, beautiful statues, and a distinctive architectural design.
Place address: Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines
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10- Parish of The Holy Sacrifice
Parish of The Holy Sacrifice – The Parish of the Blessed Sacrament was designed and built in the fifties of the twentieth century, and it is a Catholic church with round domes and 14 entrances, and it is a wonderful example of modern architecture in the country, and it is considered a center to honor the talents and creativity of 4 national artists, as it embraces their individual works of art that represent a living testimony for their artistic greatness.
Place address: Parish Office, Apacible St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila, Philippines
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11- St. Joseph The Worker Cathedral Parish
St. Joseph The Worker Cathedral Parish – The Diocese of St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral is one of the churches with few popularity and fame compared to its counterparts on the island of Bohol, but it enjoys a special luster and charm that drives people to visit it constantly, as it is located in the heart of the city and opposite a public park, and it is characterized by a stunning architectural character and a ceiling decorated with religious drawings and an altar in color Gorgeous golden unique spiritual atmosphere.
Place address: Bohol Circumferential Rd, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
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12- Metropolitan Cathedral
Metropolitan Cathedral – The construction of the Bishop’s Cathedral was completed in 1909 AD, and it is a vivid example of Spanish colonial architecture in the country. It is distinguished by its golden and ornate altar, its majestic white exterior facade, its spacious gardens, and its religious statues distributed inside and outside, in addition to its ceiling with drawings that generate a spiritual atmosphere.
Place address: 6000 Mabini St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
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13- The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – The Minor Church and the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, located within the city’s historic walls, were built in 1571 AD. It is one of the attractions that attract large numbers of tourists every year, thanks to its unique and majestic architectural design, facades, decorated walls and colored windows, in addition to its certification. A papacy from Pope Gregory XIII and three Apostolic Visits from Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Francis.
Place address: Beaterio St, Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
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14- Boljoon Church
Boljoon Church – The Bolgon Church was previously a tower dedicated to observing the raids of the Moro people and groups, and today it is one of the popular shrines that enjoy a unique Baroque architectural design with a beautiful mud roof, as well as its twenty-eight columns, its walls decorated with artistic paintings, and its gates made of coral stones.
Place address: Boljoon, Cebu, Philippines
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15- Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption – The Church of Our Lady is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Bohol, as it enjoys a mixture of majestic Gothic architectural styles, and is distinguished by its towers, windows, pointed arches, huge internal columns that support the upper floor, and its walls that are decorated with images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, and it also includes altars that were designed from parts of structures They date back to different periods of history.
Place address: Assumption St, Poblacion, Dauis, 6339 Bohol, Philippines
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16- San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Cathedral – San Pedro Church is the ecclesiastical seat of the Roman Catholic diocese in the city, and it is considered one of its shrines of great historical and cultural importance, as it is the oldest church in Davao. It was built in 1847 by the Spanish colonialists, and it is distinguished by its interesting architectural design, its curved concrete facade, its ornate altar, and its separate bell. ; The cross in its outer yard indicates the convergence and tolerance of religions on the island.
Place address: San Pedro St, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
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17- San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church – San Agustin Church and Museum has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its majestic Baroque-inspired architecture. This Roman Catholic church was built in the sixteenth century AD, and it includes a wonderful museum that tells many historical and local stories. There are also tombs of important historical figures. This church is the focus of attention of many architecture and history lovers, so do not hesitate and visit it when you come to the city.
Place address: San Agustin Church, General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
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18- Don Bosco Chapel on the Hill
Don Bosco Chapel on the Hill – Don Bosco Church is located on the top of a high hill, and it is one of the simple churches with a beautiful circular architectural design and a comfortable spiritual atmosphere, as it is surrounded by plants and trees on all sides, in addition to that it provides the opportunity to hold wedding ceremonies in it; In addition, it offers a 360-degree view of the town and the distant skyline.
Place address: Don Bosco Batulao, Brgy. Cahil, Calaca Batangas, c/o Tagaytay Post Office, Tagaytay, 4120 Batangas, Philippines
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19- EDSA Shrine
EDSA Shrine – The shrine of Mary, Our Lady of Peace is a small church and a famous Catholic shrine built in 1989 AD in honor of peace and in commemoration of the people’s power revolution, on the land that witnessed two peaceful demonstrations that overthrew Presidents Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and Joseph Estrada; It has been declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Committee for Culture and Arts.
Place address: EDSA, corner Ortigas Ave, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila, Philippines
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20- Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine
Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine – The Shrine of Resistance is a historical monument of great cultural significance, as it commemorates the heroism of the Spanish colonial government’s armory that became the site of the first battle of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire; In addition, it reflects the impact and value of the armed struggle of the Filipino ancestors who rose up for independence from foreign domination.
Place address: Pinaglabanan, San Juan, 1500 Metro Manila, Philippines
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21- Malate Catholic Church
Malate Catholic Church – The beautiful Malati Catholic Church is located near Manila Bay, overlooking the magnificent Raja Suleiman Square. It also has origins dating back to the sixteenth century AD, and it has an exquisite Baroque architectural design and stunning external facades, and the most important thing that distinguishes it is the statue of Our Lady of Cure, which was brought from Spain in the year 1624 AD.
Place address: 2000 M. H. Del Pilar St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines
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22- Apolinario Mabini Shrine
Apolinario Mabini Shrine – The Apolinario Mabini shrine was built to honor the first Prime Minister of the Philippines (Apolinario Mabini), and it is one of the vital attractions that attract a good number of tourists every year, as it includes a large library and a modest museum that provides valuable information about the town and its history, in addition to telling a lot of Interesting stories and events.
Place address: Mabini Avenue, Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines
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23- Motag Living Museum
Motag Living Museum – This living museum in Boracay is an interactive cultural exhibit showcasing traditional farming methods at work, weaving traditional crafts, local cooking, and sharing folk songs. You will see the past and culture of the Philippines come alive, and you will feel the amazing listening and wonderful place as you wander among the locals to learn about this wonderful culture. If you want to visit the place, be sure to wear light clothes, as the weather there is hot.
Place address: Motag Living Museum, Malay, Aklan, Philippines
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24- Cang-Isok House
Cang-Isok House – It is a very old and famous house in Siquijor. It was built by a Spanish man named Mariano Tejano, in the middle of the nineteenth century, which is why the house is known as the Tejano House. This modest home is made of hardwood panels and nipa leaves. It is now a major historical and tourist attraction, and a favorite with travelers who want to delve into history. As this house has defied what nature has brought it over the years, it stands firm to this day.
Place address: Cang-isok House, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, Philippines
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25- Magellan’s Cross
Magellan’s Cross – This small dome includes Magellan’s cross, which was brought by the Portuguese and Spanish colonizers with them to the Philippines in 1521 AD to represent the beginnings of the Christian religion in the Philippines. The dome is characterized by its beautiful and dazzling construction in the traditional and classic style of stone construction. The small dome and enjoy learning more about the history of this impressive historical and artifact, and it is visited by many locals and tourists due to its proximity to the city center, and visitors take many wonderful pictures of this distinctive place.
Place address: Krus ni Magellan, P. Burgos St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
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26- Boracay Mosque
Boracay Mosque – One of the oldest mosques on the island of Boracay, which is characterized by its ancient construction with antique traditional design, and includes a prominent and beautiful dome of dazzling blue color decorated with golden lines, and is visited daily by a large number of locals and tourists who wish to pray and worship, and from the time you enter the mosque until you leave you will feel welcome Of the indigenous Muslims, this mosque provides appropriate facilities and services such as places of ablution, toilets, and sufficient and comfortable space to receive a large number of worshipers. A number of religious lessons and Arabic language lessons are held in this mosque.
Place address: Boracay Mosque مسجد, Ambulong Rd, Malay, Aklan, Philippines
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27- Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro – This fort is considered one of the most famous places and tourist attractions on the island of Cebu, as it is one of the remnants of the Spanish regime in the Philippines, which dates back to 1738 AD. This fort is distinguished by its huge stone construction and it was one of the most important strategic sites on the island. Many archaeological historical pieces and documentary photos, in addition, there are three tours where you can wander around and see the old cannons that are still intact until now, and outside there is a picturesque garden and green spaces that include a number of statues and sculptures.
Place address: Fort San Pedro, A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
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28- LAPERAL
LAPERAL – The La Peral is a historic (Victorian) house built in the 1930s, and is a popular attraction for people wanting to see the truth of the local legend that it is haunted; This old house houses a collection of local artwork made of wood and bamboo.
Place address: Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet, Philippines
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29- Temple of Leah
Temple of Leah – This wonderful temple was built in 2012 AD. The building was inspired by ancient Roman architecture complete with Doric columns made of granite. The temple is known as the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines” due to the reason for its construction. About his great love for her, and it is now one of the most important tourist attractions on the island of Cebu, which must be visited, and you can look at the building of the beautiful temple and what it contains of various Greek statues that decorate the corners and different parts of the building, and do not forget to take exceptional photographs near the temple With picturesque and stunning views.
Place address: Temple of Leah, Cebu, Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
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30- The Shrine of Melchora Aquino
The Shrine of Melchora Aquino – The Melchora Aquino National Memorial Shrine is located in the beautiful Quezon City. It was specially designed for the Filipino centenary and revolutionary Melchora Aquino also known as Tandang Sora. Some of the remains of this revolutionary are found inside a small wooden chest (it is made of 3 small bones and ashes). ) under the bronze statue, which is 10.67 meters high.
Place address: #214 M. Aquino St. 1116, Banlat Rd, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
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Conclusion
As your journey through Philippines comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Philippines such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!