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One of the best places to visit in Batangas is the town of Laurel. In this town you will find tourist spots like Malagaslas Springs and Ambon-Ambon Falls.
Another famous spot in Laurel is the Simbahang Bato most commonly known as Kapilya ni San Gabriel Archangel.
Simbahang (Church) Bato (Stone/Rock) is a cave turned into a Church. This church is a favorite destination during Semana Santa for Visita Iglesia.
There are many mythical stories about this cave. According to the elderly people who lived there, this place was already sacred even before it was turned into a church. They said that this place is surrounded by big trees and plants and only birds and wild animals can step inside. The people who tried to enter the area got sick and so the locals didn’t dare to try in fear of getting ill. Some elders said that they could hear beautiful and unique music coming from the cave.
There is also a story that says that this cave served as a hiding place for people during Spanish and American war. Some believe that there is a secret tunnel from Brgy. San Gabriel to Brgy. Paliparan, Laurel, Batangas. After the war, people found this cave as refuge place when there is a strong typhoon.
Years went by and people started to set foot inside the cave, and it was Father Fr. Ben Meraña who officially turned it into a Holy Church.
My first impression of Simbahang Bato was that it looks small. But when you get closer to it, it feels like it is getting bigger and bigger. The church looks like a plain flat stone from afar, and you will only see and feel the curve as you walk inside of it. That feeling is unexplainable, but you will see what I mean when you visit Simbahang Bato.
This famous church can get too crowded during Holy Week. I suggest you drop by Simbahang Bato during ordinary days if you want to have a serene experience at the church.
If you like Simbahang Bato in Laurel, Batangas, you’ll definitely love San Lorenzo Parish Church in Taysan, Batangas.
