Cagsawa Ruins

About

The Cagsawa Ruins are the remains of a 16th-century Franciscan church that was destroyed on February 1, 1814, by the most violent eruption of the Mayon Volcano ever recorded. Fast-flowing volcanic matter wiped out the entire town Cagsawa, as well as the church that hundreds of people had taken refuge in. Today, only the bell tower remains, which is a popular photo opportunity, thanks in large part to the giant, steaming volcano looming in the background.