A Glimpse of the ‘Queen City of Bicol’

Jerimae R. Sanchez in Travel

Jul 31, 2021 • 2 min Read

The Queen City of Bicol. Heart of Bicol. One of the Seven Golden Cities of the Sun — according to Nick Joaquin. These are just a few names attributed to Naga City in Camarines Sur. It is a landlocked city in the middle of the Bicol province and is 261 kilometers away from Manila. It hosts the largest Marian pilgrimage in Asia for the devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Next to Iloilo City and Manila City, Naga was the third Spanish royal city among the overseas territories of the Spanish empire.  

Here are but a few of the attractions in Naga City:

1. Naga Metropolitan Cathedral

Considered the largest church in Bicol, the cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the country. Every September, the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is transferred here from the Basilica Minore. This is referred to as the “Traslacion.”

Photo Source: IG of Katreng codz

2. Peñafrancia Basilica

Home of the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the basilica was completed in 1985. Thousands of devotees visit this place to celebrate their faith in ‘Ina.’

Photo Source: IG Cristyajero

3. Panicuason Hot Spring Resort

Only half of an hour away from downtown Naga, this is one of Bicol’s great hideaways. Visiting here will surely soothe your weary muscles in the resort’s hot springs.

Photo Source: IG of Zeroensan

4. Museo ni Jesse Robredo

Established in 2017, the Museo was inaugurated in honor of the late Naga City Mayor and Interior and Local Government Secretary, Jesse M. Robredo. The museum pays tribute to the good governance legacy of the late Secretary.

Photo Source: IG of Hmercadotin

5. Naga Ecological Park

If you love communing with nature, this is a good area to visit. The park has an eco-walk maze and a mini forest. It is also great for family picnics and getaways with its lawns, walkways, and pavilions.

Photo Source: Ig of Travelventours

6. Malabsay Falls

The falls is 40 feet high and boasts crystal clear cold water. This is a great place for hikers, mountaineers, and tourists to relax and swim. It is located near Mt. Isarog National Park.

Photo Source: IG of Alfalflow

7. Mt. Isarog National Park

A perfect destination for excursions, the Mt. Isarog National Park is also a great place for trekkers and nature lovers. It was declared a national park by President Manuel Quezon in 1937.

Photo Source: IG of Acmcamerawork

Put these places in your bucket list and visit Naga City soon.

Photo Source of Featured Image: IG of NagacityDeck

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