Information about Shrine of the Brown Madonna Cave

Shrine of the Brown Madonna Cave

Photo by Shrine of the Brown Madonna

The Shrine of the Brown Madonna Cave, located in Tuba, Benguet, is a human-made tunnel that was found by former Baguio City Councilor Nars Padilla in 1986. The tunnel turned out to be part of the Asin Tunnels that were established in the 1850’s by means of prison labor but soon abandoned in 1915 because of World War I. 

It is said that Padilla encouraged his neighbors to construct the grotto. Therefore, it was through “Bayanihan” or volunteerism that the shrine was built. The image here does not literally resemble a “brown” Madonna but was named as such since it is clothed with a brown cape on special occasions. Before it was called the Shrine of the Brown Madonna, the place was christened as the Nauyac Wonder Cave in the absence of a name. 

Since the shrine is erected amidst a cave, one can expect sparkling stalactite and stalagmite decorating the place. There are also remarkable rock formations inside. Standing in the middle of the cave is a small altar with the image of the Virgin Mary. A few concrete benches are also provided for the tourists and devotees. Hanging on the walls of the cave are pictures depicting religious events.

Best time to visit

The shrine is open to guests all-year-round but if you want to celebrate mass here, you should visit on the fourth Sunday of any month at 9 AM.