Scores of Filipino Catholics visit churches during Holy Week as part of the centuries-old tradition known as Visita Iglesia, typically observed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The practice involves visiting seven churches, symbolizing the Way of the Cross, where devotees reflect on Christ’s suffering and death. The practice dates back to the 1500s, when the Pope recommended seven churches for pilgrims to visit in order to gain plenary indulgence, according to church historian Aaron Veloso. The tradition arrived in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial rule.

READ: Where did the tradition of Visita Iglesia come from?

In Manila, several popular churches are frequented during Holy Week, including the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (better known as Quiapo Church). But for those looking to discover new places of worship can head to the northern district of Camanava — composed of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela — and check out these historic churches.

San Roque Cathedral Parish - Caloocan CityThe facade of the San Roque Cathedral in Poblacion, Caloocan City is seen in this photo taken on April 14, 2025. The church serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalookan.
 Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
Founded as a small chapel in the 1760s, the San Roque Cathedral now serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalookan.

Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter, “Quoniam Quaelibet”, paved the way for the creation of the Diocese of Kalookan in 2003, according to the diocese’s website.

The Baroque-style cathedral houses two statues, namely San Roque and the Nuestra Señora de la Nieva, which are believed to have been brought by Augustinian Recollects from Spain.

Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish Church - Caloocan City
The facade of the Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish Church in Caloocan City is seen in this photo taken on April 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

The Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish Church was built in 1971.

Originally, its parish priest Rev. Msgr. Pacifico Maria Mendoza, was tasked with establishing a parish from scratch, as there was no available lot even for a temporary chapel in the area. As a result, Masses were held at the Manila Railroad Hospital or in the properties of several private residences.

The 3,312-square-meter lot where the church now stands was purchased in 1964. Prior to the second construction of the parish, devotees would bring their own chairs, as the first church was without pews or doors.

San Bartolome Church - San Agustin, Malabon City
The facade of San Bartolome Church in San Agustin, Malabon City is seen in this photo taken on April 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Established by Augustinian missionaries in 1614, the San Bartolome Parish in San Agustin, Malabon City, is the oldest church in the Diocese of Kalookan. It survived various natural calamities and a war.

The Greco-Roman style church brandishes the Augustinian symbol as they founded the church. The interior, on the other hand, is decorated with portraits of various saints and biblical scenes. 

It celebrated its quadricentennial anniversary in 2014. During that time, the Philippine Postal Corp. sold a commemorative stamp with the image of the patron saint and the church.

In 2022, the National Museum of the Philippines dubbed it an “Important Cultural Heritage” and would be protected and preserved under the National Cultural Heritage Act.

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception - Malabon City

The facade of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception  along Juan Luna, Malabon City  is seen in this photo taken on April 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Starting as a chapel made out of bamboo and asbestos in 1899, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. It attained its parish title in 1097.

The parish has a mostly Neo-Romanesque architectural style, with the interior containing the scenes from the Passion of Christ. It is also one of the known churches in Malabon.

The landmark is also one of the hotspots when it comes to Eucharistic celebrations relating to Mary. It houses the image of La Immaculada Conception of Malabon, which devotees call “Ynang.”

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose de Navotas - Navotas City
The facade of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose de Navotas  in Navotas City is seen in this photo taken on April 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Built in July 1859, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose de Navotas houses a spacious churchyard. Located in San Jose, Navotas City, the facade has a simple architectural style. 

Much like other churches on this list, it survived natural calamities and even foreign sieges. The parish is under the patronage of St. Joseph, the patron saint of fathers, families, workers, and travelers.

San Ildefonso Parish Church - Navotas City

The facade of the San Ildefonso Parish Church along Estrella Street in Navotas City is seen in this photo taken on April 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Built in 1735 from scraps, the San Idelfonso Parish Church in Navotas initially only held masses on Sundays. It first looked like a nipa hut, but it eventually looked like an actual chapel after a couple gave their land, totaling 435 square meters.

After the couple’s passing, their son and his wife took charge of the church. The chapel was rebuilt after the Second World War and again in 1967, with the second reconstruction ending in 1993.

National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Fatima - Valenzuela City
The facade of the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela City  is seen in this photo taken on April 15, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Established in 1961, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is the second parish to be built in Valenzuela City, according to its Facebook page. In 1976, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) gave it the National Shrine title.

In 2024, the Vatican canonically crowned the National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima, which meant the Pope deemed it a religious icon worthy of veneration through a formal decree. The image also became an iconic symbol at the forefront of the EDSA People Power Revolution.