Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi (Naga Church)
A coral-stone Spanish colonial church in Naga's town center, built 1839-1850 and now an archdiocesan shrine.
The overview
About Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi (Naga Church)
The Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, known locally as Naga Church, was built of coral stone and limestone between 1839 and 1850 under Fr. Simon Aguirre, following a design prepared by Bishop Santos Gomez Marañon. The parish itself dates back to 1829, and the church was elevated to archdiocesan shrine status in October 2007. The facade is topped by a five-story, pyramid-shaped bell tower of open arches with white-painted ornate metalwork, paired with an ornate pediment decorated in pastel tones, cherub figures, and a relief depicting the first Eucharistic celebration in Cebu alongside the year 1521. The convent beside it dates to 1864, though both the original bell tower and convent were damaged in 1942 and rebuilt in 1974. Standing along N. Bacalso Avenue in the city center, it remains an active parish with daily and Sunday masses celebrated in Cebuano and English, and a town fiesta in October honoring its patron saint.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Coral stone and limestone construction, 1839-1850
- Five-story pyramid-shaped bell tower
- Ornate pastel-toned pediment facade
- Relief of the first Eucharistic celebration in Cebu
- Archdiocesan shrine since 2007
- Active parish with daily Cebuano and English masses
- 1 Dress modestly and keep voices low during mass hours. Visit outside scheduled masses if you want time to appreciate the facade and interior at a relaxed pace. The church is a short walk from Naga's other city-center attractions like Pasilong sa Naga. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a bus or V-hire to Naga (30-45 minutes). The church sits in the city proper along N. Bacalso Avenue, an easy walk from the bus drop-off point.
Before you go
Frequently asked
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Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
Generally open 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily, outside of mass schedules
Duration
30 minutes - 1 hour
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for a quieter visit; October for the parish fiesta.
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