25/04/2025
Montemaria Shrine, officially known as the "Mother of All Asia โ Tower of Peace," is a monumental Marian pilgrimage site located in Barangay Pagkilatan, Batangas City, Philippines. It stands as the world's tallest statue of the Virgin Mary, reaching a height of 98.15 meters (approximately 322 feet) from base to the tip of the cross.
๐๏ธ Key Features
โข Design & Construction: The statue's design was led by renowned sculptor Eduardo Castrillo, with construction beginning in 2014 and completion in 2021, aligning with the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines. The monument is situated within an 8-hectare area of the larger 130-hectare Montemaria township .
โข Architectural Highlights:
o St. John Paul II Shrine: Located on the ground floor, this shrine serves as a place of worship.
o Marian Chapels: The third floor houses 20 chapels dedicated to various aspects of the Virgin Mary's life.
o View Deck: Situated on the 15th floor, it offers panoramic views of Batangas Bay and the surrounding areas .
โข Miracle Glass Walk: A recent addition, this glass walkway extends over a cliffside, providing visitors with breathtaking views and a unique experience .
๐๏ธ Mass Schedule (2025)
โข First Fridays: 4:00 PM
โข 8th Day of the Month: 9:00 AM
โข Saturdays: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 3:30 PM
โข Sundays: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 3:30 PM
๐ Getting There
โข By Public Transport:
1. Take a bus from Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal (e.g., DLTB or JAM Liner).
2. From the terminal, board a jeepney heading to Lobo and inform the driver to drop you at the shrine entrance.
3. From the entrance, you may need to walk or hire a tricycle to reach the statue atop the hill .
โข By Car: Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps and input "Montemaria Pilgrimage" as your destination. The journey from Manila typically takes around 3 hours.
๐ฐ๏ธ Visiting Tips
โข Best Time to Visit: Afternoons are ideal, especially for witnessing the sunset over Batangas Bay.
โข What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket (it can get chilly), and a camera for the scenic views.
โข Accommodations: While the shrine doesn't offer overnight lodging, nearby areas like Lobo and Laiya provide various accommodations for those wishing to extend their visit.
Montemaria Shrine is not only a place of spiritual significance but also a testament to architectural grandeur and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for both pilgrims and tourists.