Cagsawa Ruins
A lone, moss-topped bell tower with Mayon's perfect cone rising behind it.
Quick answer
- Where: barangay Busay, Daraga, Albay, about 8 kilometres from Legazpi City.
- What remains: the belfry and parts of the convent of a Franciscan church rebuilt in 1724.
- The disaster: Mayon's eruption of February 1, 1814, buried the town and killed about 1,200 people.
- Today: Cagsawa Ruins Park, one of Bicol's most photographed views.
- Best time: clear mornings, when Mayon's summit is free of cloud.
Why it is a wonder
It is the classic postcard of Bicol: a lone stone bell tower, crowned with greenery, and behind it the near-perfect cone of Mayon Volcano. The tower is all that stands of the church of Cagsawa, a Franciscan parish rebuilt in 1724.
On February 1, 1814, Mayon erupted with terrible force. Volcanic debris buried the town, and around 1,200 people died, among them people who had sheltered inside the church. Survivors moved to nearby Daraga. Only the belfry and parts of the convent remain, now the centrepiece of Cagsawa Ruins Park, a beautiful and sobering place to stand and look at the volcano that made it.
Beat the crowds
- Arrive early in the morning, when Mayon is most often clear and tour buses have not arrived.
- Weekdays are calmer.
Getting there
Fly to the Bicol International Airport near Legazpi, or take an overnight bus from Manila. From Legazpi, jeepneys and tricycles run to Cagsawa, about 20 minutes. See our Mayon Volcano page.
A perfect day
- Sunrise at the Cagsawa belfry.
- Ride an ATV on Mayon’s lower slopes.
- Lunch on Bicol express and pili treats in Legazpi.
- Watch sunset over Mayon from the city’s hillside viewpoints.
Through the seasons
- About February to May: drier, with the best chance of a clear summit.
- February: the Cagsawa Festival recalls the 1814 eruption.
- Typhoon season: roughly July to November; check forecasts.
Respect the place
Remember that this is a site of tragedy. Don’t climb the ruins, and follow volcano alerts from PHIVOLCS when heading onto Mayon’s slopes.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What happened at Cagsawa in 1814?
Mayon Volcano erupted on February 1, 1814, burying the town of Cagsawa under volcanic debris. Many people died, including some who sheltered in the church.
Why is only the belfry left?
The rest of the church was destroyed or buried. Parts of the facade stood for decades after the eruption but later collapsed.
Can I see Mayon up close?
Yes, with ATV tours on the lower slopes from Cagsawa. Climbing to the summit depends on the volcano's alert level.
Where did the people of Cagsawa go?
Survivors resettled in nearby Daraga, which became the main town.
Tinago Falls
A wide veil of white water at the bottom of a hidden ravine in Iligan, the city of waterfalls.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
