Naga City is the “Heart of Bicol” in more ways than one. Steeped in rich history dating back to the pre-colonial era, Naga was already flourishing village along the banks of the Naga River in the mid-1500s when Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo arrived. It derived its name from the narra trees (the Bikol language) which abounded along the riverbanks. It was later christened “Nueva Caceres” during the colonial period, after the Spanish town of Caceres.
The core of the bustling Metro Naga area, the city continues to play a vital role in the commercial, cultural, education and religious life of the Bicolanos. Come and let us discover the heart of Bicol region, and soon enough, you will leave your heart in Naga City.
San Francisco Chruch Belfry
The remnant of the old San Francisco Church where Spanish governor Vicente Zaidin surrendered to Filipino revolutionaries Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo on September 17, 1898, marking the end of Spanish rule in Bicol.
Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and Museo Concillor de Caceres
Built in 1785 as the center of ecclesiastical education in the Bicol region, it is one of the oldest existing seminaries in the country. It has a museum containing the memorabilia of prominent Bicolano clergy, including the personal effects of Jorge Barlin, the first Filipino Bishop. Ancient burial jars and other artifacts are also on exhibit.
Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Located a stone’s throw away from the Seminary, this century old church is the seat of the archdiocese of Nueva Caceres, one of the oldest in the country. It has an ornate façade, ceiling and stained glass windows and gazebo following the baroque design.
Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine
A 16 meter high pylon in the commercial district of Legazpi. It is located at the junction of Rizal Street and Quezon Avenue in Legazpi Port District.
Japanese Tunnel
Situated near the banks of Bicol River, this 18th-century church is the original home of the Virgin of Peñafrancia. The original bell, donated by a wealthy Chinese trader during its reconstruction in 1864 still hangs from the belfry.
Plaza Quince Martires
A public plaza in downtown Naga built in memory of the 15 Martyrs of Bicol who were imprisoned and executed by Spain after the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution in 1896.
Plaza Rizal
A park in the heart of the city named after the national hero. A unique attraction is the oversized chessboard for public use. Adjacent to it is Quezon Park where socio-civic musical events are held.
Raul S. Roco Library
Named after the late Bicolano Senator, this public library has over 30,000.00 titles and is an online hub to other libraries in the country. It houses Roco’s memorabilia, as well as the Naga City Hall of Fame, where awards received by the city government are displayed.
Peñafrancia Basilica Minore
A massive shrine built in 1985 for the Our Lady of Peñafrancia to accommodate the increasing number of Marian pilgrims and devotees.
SOUVENIR SHOPPING
For the all-important souvenirs, get hold of exquisite export quality abaca-based local handicrafts such as bags, wallets or home decorations, or the sweet tasting pili, considered as the local almond, at the Naga City Supermarket, the central bus terminal, and souvenir stalls in downtown.
University of Nueva Caceres Museum
Incepted in 1952, it is the second school based museum in the country dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, study and exhibit of historical, scientific, cultural and aesthetic objects. The museum is divided into sections of Philippine history, archival library and memorabilia of founder Don Jaime Hernandez.
Peñafrancia Resort
A pioneer resort and recreation area situated in Brgy Carolina, 12 kilometers away from the city proper. It has two swimming pools, a basketball court, a sprawling lawn, function rooms and other recreational facilities.
Bicol Science and Technology Centrum
The only local government-operated science center in the region and is a favorite destination for educational field trips. A Sci-Art Cubbyhole for toddlers and pre-schoolers complements interactive exhibits that enhance interest in the sciences.
Metro Naga Sports Complex
Located in the suburbs of Naga, this sports facility has Olympic-size swimming pools, tennis courts, and a race track. It has hosted a number of sports competition including the Palarong Pambansa.
Mt. Isarog National Park
A protected area named after Mt. Isarog, 1,976-feet high dormant volcano. The main attraction of the park is the 13-meter high Malabsay Falls located at the slopes of the mountain, which can be reached by an exiting 45-minute hike from the jeepney terminal Bgy. Carolina. On the other side of the mountain is Consocep Mountain Resort, a nature sanctuary in the town of Tigaon.
Camsur Watersports Complex
A sprawling watersports park at the Camarines Sur Provincial Capitol compound, regarded as among the world’s best design for wakeboarding and waterskiing. It offers a 6-point cable ski system, coupled with restaurants, sand bars, spas, pro-shops, tropical themed accommodations, man-made lagoon with Mt. Isarog in the background. While situated outside Naga, CWC is still promoted as a must-see destination for tourists and visitors of the city.
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
For a complete, countryside experience, sample the delectable Bicol dishes such as laing, bicol express, kinunot and other coconut milk-based and spicy delights. The city’s side streets teem with quaint home-grown restaurants and grilleries, in addition to the fast food chains.
For a one-stop shop, visit Magsaysay Ave. where there are rows of specialty restaurants, cafes boutique hotels and bars.
The newly-opened SM City Naga also offers a wide array of dining and entertainment options with restaurants, amusement shops and a Cineplex.
FESTIVALS
Peñafrancia Festival
This is the country’s biggest and most popular Marian feast, the nine-day religious fiesta in September in honor of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia or Ina, patroness of the Bicol Region. The feast starts with the “Translacion” or transfer of the image from the Basilica Minore to the Metropolitan Cathedral where a novena is held. The festival’s highlight is the Fluvial Procession on Naga River where the image is returned to the Basilica on the third Saturday of September. Various religious and special events such as tiangges, concerts, sports activities and parades, take place within the nine-day festivity.
Kamundagan Festival
Literally meaning “birth”, it is a month-long Christmas festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ featuring traditional yuletide activities like Pastora, Belen-making contest, Christmas carols, street pantomime, etc.
