Cagsawa Church Was Never Buried In Lava

Cagsawa Church, one of the most iconic landmarks near Mayon Volcano, has a lingering myth that it was buried in lava during the volcano’s 1814 eruption. However, this is far from the truth. The real history behind Cagsawa’s ruins reveals that the church was never entombed in molten rock.

What Really Happened

While the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814 was catastrophic, its lava flows did not reach Cagsawa. It only traveled up to 6 kilometers from the volcano. And Cagsawa lies more than 10 kilometers away. So instead of lava, the town was devastated by pyroclastic flows and ash fall. Yes it caused significant destruction, but lava itself did not bury the church.

Built in 1724, the Cagsawa Church was abandoned after the eruption. However, it wasn’t lava that caused its slow demise. Over the course of 120 years, the church fell into disrepair due to neglect and the natural effects of weathering. The belfry, which remains standing today, is a testament to the structure’s historical significance. But the church’s crumbling state is the result of time, not lava.

After the Eruption

Following the eruption, many survivors of Cagsawa moved in nearby towns such as Daraga, and some even moved to the coastal area of Pilar, now part of Sorsogon. Over time, nature took its toll on the abandoned church, leading to its eventual ruin.

Historical Impact

Despite the myths surrounding it, the Cagsawa Ruins is now a popular historical landmark. Visitors come to admire the bell tower that withstood the test of time and learn about the eruption’s true impact. So, next time someone tells you the church was buried by lava, you can confidently say, “That’s not quite what happened!”

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The truth is, Cagsawa Church wasn’t buried by lava. It was weathered by time, abandoned, and left to the natural elements, which turned it into the beloved ruin we visit today.