Visita Iglesia in Capiz

Visita Iglesia (church visit) is a Catholic Lenten tradition which is widely practiced in the Philippines. Worshippers may choose to visit 7 or 14 churches on Maundy Thursday after the Mass of the Last Supper or on Good Friday and follow the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). The Via Crucis consists of 14 Stations which traces the journey of Jesus Christ to his crucifixion and death. Here are the prayers for the Stations of the Cross: https://www.catholic.org/prayers/station.php?id=15

Here is a pictorial guide to nine churches for your Visita Iglesia in Capiz.

Our Lady of the Snows, Dumarao

Nuestra Señora de las Nieves was razed by fire in 2009. The pink façade and belfry that dates back to 1728 are all that remain of the original structure.

Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Roxas City

The Cathedral sits in the heart of the cultural heritage sites of Roxas City. The current structure is from a reconstruction in 1954.

Santa Monica Church, Pan-ay

The original church in Pan-ay was first established in 1774. A typhoon in 1875 devastated the church. It wasn't until 1884 that it was reconstructed in the colonial Baroque style. The walls are made of coral blocks and are three meters thick (about 9.84 feet). Renovations have been made to the roof and belfry in recent years due to the ravages it has suffered from termites and the passage of time. It was once again devastated by typhoon Yolanda in 2013 but has now been repaired. Santa Monica is a National Historical Landmark. There are public vans (PUV) that go to Pan-ay from Roxas City.

Altarpiece, Santa Monica Church

This is one of two wooden altarpieces in the church. Note the intricate carving. Over a century old, these altarpieces are often overlooked by visitors.

St. Tomas de Villanueva Church, Dao

The 150-year old façade of St. Tomas de Villanueva is made of coral sandstone capped by a pediment. Note how the thick walls create deep recesses that lead to arched doors and geometric windows. The Church was built by the Augustinian Congregation during the Spanish colonial period. Dao is a 45-minute ride from Roxas City.

Main Altar, St. Tomas de Villanova

St. Martin de Tours, Dumalag

The moss covered buttresses, bell tower and walls of St. Martin de Tours are all that remain of the original façade after an earthquake in 1948. The original structure is from 1833 and is made of yellow sandstone. Every level of the five-storey bell tower has a bell of varying sizes made in 1881.

Main Altar, Saint Martin of Tours

The windows of the painted dome illuminate the interior of Santa Catalina Church. Mambusao is reached by buses and PUVs from Punta Dulog Bus Terminal in Roxas City.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Mambusao

Meditation Hills Healing Chapel, Sapian

Meditation Hills Healing Chapel, Maninang, Sapian

Praying or meditating is easier when surrounded by the lush hills of Sapian. Climbing to the top of the hill to pray at the Cross that overlooks the countryside can only add to the religious experience.

Meditation Hills

Beautifully landscaped grounds of Meditation Hills is a nice respite from the bustle of the city. Sapian is easily reached by PUVs from Roxas City.

St. Isidore the Farmer, Pontevedra

Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dinginan, Roxas City

This post was originally published on March 29, 2021. It was updated on April 12, 2025 and February 14, 2026.

Check out my video of these churches here: https://youtu.be/3KV9AtexEcc?si=0Np3lhHaZTXl68DT

For more information about Capiz, please check out Capiz Tourism.

See you soon in Capiz.

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