Legazpi City

Legazpi City has a beautiful skyline with the waters of the Albay Gulf on one side and the Mayon Volcano, a near perfect symmetrical conical volcano, towering over the buildings creating a majestic scene. It is a first class city in the province of Albay situated in the heart of the peninsula. It has a busy seaport that accommodates sea-going vessels.

The city is named after famed Spanish conquistador and explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. During pre-Spanish times, a local chief ruled the area by the name of Gat Ibal. The once swampland was then known as Binanuahan.

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The little settlement was swept under Spanish control when the Philippine islands came under colonial control in 1565. It was inaugurated through a royal decree on October 23, 1856. Legazpi City fell to the Japanese in 1941 during the Second World War. After three years of guerrilla fighting, the city was liberated from Japanese control in 1945 when Filipino-American liberation forces finally came to its aid in 1945. It attained its official status as a city under the Philippine Government in July 18, 1948.

Today, Legazpi City has well established modern infrastructures as well as a robust economy. It also has a highly qualified workforce, brought about by an abundance of quality school and universities in the area.

Where To Go:

Magayon Art Gallery - If you want to see artworks by the local artists, then the Magayon Art Gallery is one place you should check out.

Mayon Volcano - A lot of the tourists that go to Legazpi, Albay do so for only one reason: get a glimpse of Mayon Volcano, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. The volcano stands over 2,200 meters (8,100 ft), but it is its perfect cone that truly captivates people.

 The Pototan Cave - The Pototan Cave is over 8 meters (30 ft high) and some 6 meters (20 ft) wide at the entrance. Inside the cave you will find several types of stalactites, stalagmites and several rocks and types. There is also an underground river. This leads deeper into the cave, ending in passageways and hidden chambers.

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Our Lady of the Gate Church - The Our Lady of Gate Church was constructed in 1773 on behalf of the Franciscan Missionaries. Even today, it is prized by the province not just for its historical value, but for its intricate design. Unlike the other churches, the Gate Church was built in accordance to the Baroque style, which places emphasis on elaborate designs. The result is an edifice that fills the senses with awe and inspiration. 

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The Legazpi City Museum - The history of Albay and its capital are visually represented in the Legazpi City Museum, one of the finest in the province and the region. The museum can be divided into several sections. Prominently displayed are the numerous possessions and antiques of the clans that once ruled the city; archeological discoveries and artifacts are also aplenty, and there is also an area dedicated to showing artworks, from past and present eras

The Albay Park and Wildlife - This is not just a typical park, although it has the cool and lush environment that you can ever want. But the park also has plenty of sites that provides shelter for over 300 types of animals, along with several boats and rides, both for children and the young at heart. 

How To Go There:

If you are flying via air, the most airline carriers offer weekly flights to Legazpi. The Legazpi Airport can handle both local and international flights.

If you are traveling by land via private and public transportation, the total travel time is 11 to 13 hours. However, if you pass by the Andaya Highway the trip will be cut short by three hours. The Philippine National Railways also has train plying the Manila-Legazpi route. The train leaves Tayuman Station at 4:00pm and will arrive at 7:00am in Legazpi

If you are traveling by sea, tourists from Cebu can travel via ferry boat.

Source www.legazpiboard.com

Teaser photo source: www.wallpaperslot.com