Information about Caleruega Church

Caleruega Church

Caleruega Church is a popular religious and tourist attraction located in Barangay Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. The church is set in a picturesque scene on the slopes of the Batulao mountain range. Its beautiful natural surroundings, including lush gardens, manicured landscapes, and a panoramic view of the mountains, offer a serene and scenic retreat for visitors. 

Caleruega Church is inspired by the medieval church in Caleruega, Spain, the birthplace of Saint Dominic de Guzman, who founded the Dominican Order. Its design reflects Spanish colonial architecture, known for its rustic charm and timeless appeal.

Caleruega Church is not only a place of worship but also a retreat center run by Dominican priests. It offers spiritual retreats, workshops, and other activities for spiritual growth. It is also a popular venue for weddings and events because of its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The Transfiguration Chapel, with its stained glass windows and stunning setting, is especially favored by couples for their weddings.

This famous church in Batangas is often featured in travel guides and tourism promotions highlighting the best attractions in Batangas and the Philippines. The church's reputation as a peaceful retreat and picturesque wedding venue underscores its importance in the region.

How to get there

To get to Caleruega Church, take a bus bound for Tagaytay or Nasugbu from either Buendia or Cubao bus terminals. Alight in Tagaytay City and take a jeepney or a bus bound for Nasugbu, then inform the driver to get you off at the Evercrest Golf Club stop. From there, you can take a tricycle directly to Caleruega Church. Tricycles are readily available at the entrance of Evercrest.

If you're driving a private vehicle, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) if you're coming from Manila, then exit at Sta. Rosa or Eton City. There will be signs going to Tagaytay, so you just need to follow them. Once in Tagaytay, drive towards Nasugbu via the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and look for the Evercrest Golf Club on your left. Turn left at this point and follow the road signs to Caleruega Church, which will lead you through a series of turns until you reach the church.

From Manila, the trip to Caleruega can take about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. For more convenient travel, you may book Tagaytay tours or Batangas tours that include Caleruega Church in the itinerary. Most of these tours will take you to the church and other Tagaytay tourist spots or Batangas top attractions hassle-free since they already include transportation.

Tickets and entry

As of this writing, there is an entrance fee going to Caleruega Church. This is for the maintenance of the garden and the church. There could be a parking fee for those who are visiting with private cars. It's best to ask for the updated rates when visiting the church.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Caleruega Church is during the dry season, November to June. Since these months offer the best conditions with minimal rain, it is the best time for outdoor activities, photography, and enjoying the scenic views. If you want to visit the church with less crowds, then it's advisable to visit on weekdays and non-event days. Expect that there could be crowds on weekdays and more on weekends, especially if weddings or retreats are happening in the church. Moreover, it is recommended to visit Caleruega church in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heavy traffic and enjoy the serene surroundings.