If you’ve been scouring celebrity wedding announcements recently, you might have come across a popular wedding venue situated a few minutes’ drive from Tagaytay called the Caleruega Church.
Officially named as the Transfiguration Chapel, it is a beautiful and iconic religious landmark located in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Fancy a visit to this picturesque location? Here are five interesting tidbits of information to take with you:
1. Beginnings
Caleruega Church got its name from the Spanish town of Caleruega, the birthplace of St. Dominic de Guzman who founded the Dominican order. It was built in 1994 as a venue for prayer and meditation, a place where people can speak to and for the Creator.
2. Location, location, location
Caleruega Church is situated at the top of a hill in the town of Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. It occupies an eight-hectare property owned by the Dominicans which also houses other scenic attractions and serene areas for meditation, as well as accommodations for retreat goers.
Its location provides visitors a stunning view of Mount Batulao and nearby areas.
3. Design
It was designed by Architect Yolanda Reyes and Father Ed Nante, incorporating elements of Spanish, Moorish and Filipino architecture as well as local artistry.
As the church is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, the event is depicted in the stunning stained glass window located above the altar.
Surrounding the church is a beautiful garden filled with a variety of flowering plants and trees. A water fountain is situated on the driveway, commemorating the star that St. Dominic’s mother – Joanna of Aza – saw on her son’s forehead, foretelling of his destiny to spread light to the world through Christian ministry.
The sun and star motif will figure prominently in other elements of the church‘s design such as the windows made with capiz and interiors of the cottages serving as retreat centers.
The design of the church and its surrounding areas evoke a sense of serenity and oneness with nature, in keeping with the church’s goal of bringing its pilgrims close to nature and closer to God.
4. Things to do
While the church compound is mainly a place for prayer and reflection, there are other things to do to occupy your time while at Caleruega:
- Attend mass. Public mass is offered every Sunday at 10.30am.
- Enjoy the outdoors. Take a stroll around. Calaruega’s picturesque garden filled with a variety of flowering plants and trees.
- Take in the scenery. Caleruega provides the perfect vantage point to view Mount Batulao and its surrounding areas.
- Attend a spiritual retreat or seminar. For instance, Caleruega is holding a Family Retreat 2023 from April 6 (Maundy Thursday) to 9 (Easter Sunday). To register, call +63 921 2709890 or email caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com.
- Take pictures. Given such charming and quaint architecture and scenery to be seen in Caleruega, it makes sense to document the experience by taking lots of pictures. Check out the many IG-worthy spots around the compound for your shots.
5. Gearing up
To make the most of your visit to Caleruega, it would be best to bring the following things:
- Face mask. While most of quarantine restrictions may have been lifted, wearing of face masks is still required.
- Water container and crackers. Walking around the compound will work up a thirst so be sure to hydrate often by drinking water. Nibble on some crackers if you feel hungry.
- Cool clothes and comfortable shoes. Be ready for walking around so wearing cool clothes and shoes you can walk around in.
- Sunscreen and hat. You will be spending quite a lot of time outdoors so be sure put on some sunscreen and bring something to protect you from the sun such as a hat or umbrella.
- Camera, action cam or mobile phone cams to capture the scenery and take your selfies.
With its stunning architecture, picturesque grounds and amazing views of surrounding areas, Caleruega is a worthwhile destination for any traveler. For the religious pilgrim, on the other hand, it serves as a venue to experience solemnity and silence to pray and reflect.
Caleruega Church is located at 4231 Calruega Road, Barangay Caylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas, open daily from 6am to 5.30pm. Visitors are charged an entrance fee of Php30/person and a parking fee of Php40/car.
To stay updated on its news and activities, follow it on Facebook.
Jellybeans in the City 