Majayjay Church (Basilica of St. Gregory the Great)
About
Laguna's biggest old church, and now its first minor basilica! Majayjay Church was built from 1616 to 1649 at the foot of Mount Banahaw, and its weathered stone facade has survived fires, typhoons and wars. Step through the mossy Porta Sancta into a bright nave with chandeliers, then walk up to the gilded retablo. It was named a basilica by Pope Francis in January 2025, so pilgrims and photo walkers keep coming. Make it your first stop, then cool off at Taytay Falls or Dalitiwan just up the road!
- 30–45 minTime to spend
- Morning, before the afternoon rain that is common in the Majayjay highlands; avoid Mass times if you want to look around.Best time to go
- Free entryEntrance and budget
- Bus or jeep gets you thereNo car needed
What to do here
- Walk through the Porta Sancta, the mossy stone holy door
- Look up at the chandeliers and the gilded main retablo
- Shoot the full facade from the plaza
- Pair it with Taytay Falls or Dalitiwan for a cool-water afternoon
Know before you go
It is an active parish: keep quiet and skip photos during Mass.
Bring an umbrella; the highland afternoons are often rainy.
Watch your step on old stone floors, which get slippery when wet.
Street parking around the town plaza.
Free to enter; donations welcome.
Where it is
A. Regidor Street, Poblacion, Majayjay, Laguna
No car neededTake a bus to Santa Cruz, Laguna from Cubao or Buendia, then a jeep bound for Majayjay and get off at the town plaza; the church is beside it. By car: SLEX, exit Calamba, then through Los Banos, Bay and Pagsanjan or Magdalena to Majayjay, about 3 hours from Manila.
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FAQ
Why is Majayjay Church famous?
It is Laguna's largest parish church, built from 1616 to 1649, and became the province's first minor basilica in January 2025.
What is nearby?
Taytay Falls and Dalitiwan Resort are in the same town, so most people combine them in one trip.
Is there a dress code?
It is an active church, so dress modestly and keep quiet during Mass.