Heritage Series: Caleruega Church

March 16, 2021

Find out the things that you can see and do in Caleruega Church, as well as its brief history.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable churches in the Tagaytay – Nasugbu (Batangas) area is the Caleruega Transfiguration Chapel, or more commonly known as Caleruega Church.

Façade of Caleruega Church

Heritage Series: Caleruega Church


    Caleruega Church is charming, quaint, simple, serene, and welcoming. It’s the perfect place to reflect and meditate, as well as to hold a solemn wedding ceremony.

    History of Caleruega Church


    Caleruega Church is a fairly new church but that doesn’t make it any less breathtaking. The church derived its name from Caleruega, a small town located in Spain, the birthplace of St. Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order.

    At the entrance of Caleruega Church
    A wedding at Caleruega Church

    The Caleruega Church is located atop a hill, thus, providing visitors a magnificent view of the surrounding greeneries and mountain slopes. Caleruega Church is definitely a must-visit, even if going here entails passing through a rough and narrow road.

    Our experience at Caleruega Church


    We’ve been to Caleruega Church twice and we would always remark how beautiful it was. Caleruega Church is often listed as one of the most beautiful churches in Tagaytay but it’s really located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

    The Cenaculum at Caleruega
    The Cenaculum

    What makes Caleruega Church even more attractive is the view of Mount Batulao as well as the endless plains of greens around it. Add to that the chilly Tagaytay air and you have the perfect retreat to soothe your mind as well as your soul.

    Exploring Caleruega
    Exploring Caleruega

    To enter Caleruega Church, you will have to pay a minimal admission fee of P30 per person. With that, you can already roam around and see for yourself the features and amenities inside the property. It’s a relaxing activity; walking leisurely, being close to nature, and nourishing your spirituality.

    Things to see and do at Caleruega


    The Gazekubo at Caleruega
    The Gazekubo

    Aside from the Transfiguration Chapel, here are other things that visitors and travelers may see and do in Caleruega Church:

    • Veritas Hall – a large venue for weddings and conferences.
    • Gazekubo – a smaller conference venue that can also be used for wedding receptions.
    • Refectory Hall – a big-capacity dining hall.
    • Catalina Hall – the women’s dormitory
    • Tomasino Hall – the men’s dormitory
    • Pahingalayan and Fra Angelico – hermitage cottages with basic accommodation facilities.
    • Kampo Arriba – campsite that is also highly-recommended for outdoor activities.
    • Tuktok Hall – a small venue for conferences and meetings.
    • Plaza de Aza – roof-deck venue for big gatherings and event receptions.
    • Tent Chapel – a small chapel that is also used for wedding ceremonies.
    • Dominicum’s Grand Stairway and Cenaculum – this is located near the property’s gate and serves as the entrance leading to the halls and the church.
    • Sculpture near the Transfiguration Chapel – a statue located just near the chapel that you might also want to see.
    • Hanging Bridge – a short bridge that you have to pass through to get to the Tent Chapel.
    • Koi pond and gardens – common areas that feature lush plants and colorful flowers.

    Flowers in Caleruega

    So, you see, each corner of Caleruega provides a relaxing atmosphere to energize you as you walk around with your loved ones or friends.

    Caleruega Church Mass Schedule


    The following is the Caleruega Church Mass Schedule before the pandemic:

    • Mondays to Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
    • Sundays: 8:00 to 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

    However, because of the COVID-19 restrictions, Sunday Masses at Caleruega Church are live-streamed via its Facebook page.

    How to go to Caleruega Church


    A tree in Caleruega

    People go to Caleruega Church as a side trip when they go to Tagaytay City. As such, the usual take off point is from any spot within Tagaytay then straight ahead to Nasugbu. However, if you are going straight to Caleruega Church from Metro Manila, here are your options:

    Via Private Vehicle


    South superhighway:


    • Take Sta. Rosa exit
    • Drive to Tagaytay
    • In Tagaytay, drive straight then turn right to Rotonda and drive through the Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway.
    • Drive past the Nasugbu welcome arch
    • Turn left when you see the KC Hillcrest entrance
    • Turn right when you finally see the sign pointing to Caleruega Church

    Coastal Road:


    • From Roxas Boulevard, drive to Aguinaldo Highway all the way up to Tagaytay.
    • In Tagaytay, drive straight then turn right to Rotonda and drive through the Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway.
    • Drive past the Nasugbu welcome arch
    • Turn left when you see the KC Hillcrest entrance
    • Turn right when you finally see the sign pointing to Caleruega Church

    Via Public Vehicle


    • Ride any bus (Erjohn & Almark, DLTBCo, or BSC Bus) that are bound for Nasugbu, Balayan, or Calatagan.
    • Ask the conductor to drop you off at Evercrest or KC Hillcrest (it’s the same place but some bus drivers and conductors are more familiar with the old name, Evercrest) in Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas
    • From here, you may ride a tricycle going to Caleruega Church.

    Epilogue


    The Caleruega Church is one of the must-visit places when you are in Tagaytay City. Caleruega is fairly easy to reach and charges a minimal admission fee.

    It provides a relaxing ambiance because it is situated amidst lush trees and plants. The cool Tagaytay air also adds to the overall solemn and soothing vibe of Caleruega Church.

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    Caleruega Church travel guide

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    16 comments

    1. That is a nice church! I like the greenery around and the church's beautiful facade. I hope I can get to visit once travel restrictions are lifted.

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    2. This looks like a lovely church. I am not religious, but they are still fun to explore since they are so pretty!

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    3. This church sounds like a place to visit. I need to add it to my list

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    4. What an impressive church with so much history. Loved reading about your experience there :)

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    5. This looks like such an amazing experience, thanks for sharing this.

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    6. Thanks for sharing the history and beauty of Caleruega Church, sounds great to visit.

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    7. Scarlett Brooklyn9 August 2021 at 21:16

      Such a beautiful church. Thanks for posting and sharing about this.

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    8. Great guide on how to go there. I'll keep this for future reference.

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    9. This location has so much history embedded. And the nature surrounding it is splendid

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    10. That is an incredible looking church. The architecture alone is stunning. I'd love to tour this one day.

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    11. Thank you for sharing this beautiful church. I hope to visit one day.

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    12. Looks like great church to visit, as it as historical importance too. Thanks for sharing this I would not know about them if I haven't seen your post.

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    13. That is a beautiful church. And it reminds me of that church that we saw in Leyte. It would be awesome to see that in person someday. -LYNNDEE

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    14. カマネーロ アップルジョイ8 May 2022 at 03:25

      Grabe ang ganda pala ng simbahan na ito sa batangas 😍 makasaysayang simbahan . Marami ding pwede gawin at makita . At mabilis lang din mkarating dito ❤️ great experience na makarating din dito 😊❤️(Apple Joy Camañero)

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    15. Rowena callo Villareno8 May 2022 at 03:25

      MUst visit po itong Caleruega Church ang ganda din and ang peaceful ng place niya talagang makakapag concentrate ka sa prayer.Dagdag pa yung ganda ng ambiance and tagaytay yan kaya siguradong relaxing kasi malamig😊.

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    16. Hyun Jang Nim8 May 2022 at 03:26

      Caleruega Chapel is one of the famous churches in Batangas because of its beautiful and calming vibe. It is the perfect place to meditate and recharge. There's a lot of other activities that you can do. A really must visit place with a relaxing atmosphere.

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