There are many old churches in Laguna. Among them is the St. Bartholomew Parish Church. Both historic and magnificent, the church can be found in the town of Nagcarlan, about 103km south of Manila. Built in honor of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, the architectural design of the church is Baroque-inspired.
The church was constructed as the elders say, with the efforts of the townsfolk of Nagcarlan. It is said that the townsmen would line up from Tipacan, the site where the stones are shaped, then pass on stones one after another until they reach the site of the church. The stones are bound together with "apog" mixed with egg whites. The eggs were collected from the women of the town as tax.
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| The altar |
A large unusual relief sculpture can be found inside the church. It depicts the intercession of the Virgin in purgatory. It also shows the fires of hell and the angels and the saints in heaven. Rumors say that there's another one like this which was bought by the Escuderos from a priest and now it is there at Villa Escudero in Quezon.
One of the most compelling urban legends in Nagcarlan is the existence of a tunnel behind the altar that leads to the Underground Cemetery about a kilometer away from the church. Stories tell that the walls of the said tunnel is made of gold and a golden horse is used by the priest to go to the Cemetery. Some say that during an internment of the dead, the priest is the last to leave the church but first to arrive at the cemetery because of the tunnel. Other stories tell that there is a series of tunnels that connects the old churches in Laguna and even a passage through the Holy Mountain of Mt. Banahaw.
One of the most compelling urban legends in Nagcarlan is the existence of a tunnel behind the altar that leads to the Underground Cemetery about a kilometer away from the church. Stories tell that the walls of the said tunnel is made of gold and a golden horse is used by the priest to go to the Cemetery. Some say that during an internment of the dead, the priest is the last to leave the church but first to arrive at the cemetery because of the tunnel. Other stories tell that there is a series of tunnels that connects the old churches in Laguna and even a passage through the Holy Mountain of Mt. Banahaw.
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| Bell Tower and Grotto |
Travel Guide:
From Manila:
Bus Ride to San Pablo via Lucena City bound buses.
Land Mark is SPC Medical Center
Fare P127
Jeepney ride From SPC Medical Center to City Proper of San Pablo
Fare P8
Jeepney ride from San Pablo City to Nagcarlan
Terminal is near the San Pablo Cathedral.
Fare P25
Photos by: manofstillsrem
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