DARAGA, Albay -- The National Museum declared the four-century old Daraga parish church in this town as a national cultural treasure in the country.

        Standing eminently on top of the Sta. Maria Hill, the Our Lady of the Gate Parish, a famous landmark in Albay province overlooking the slopes of Mayon volcano, was formally declared last Tuesday as a national cultural treasure by Acting Director Maharlika Cuevas of the National Museum as national cultural treasure.

        Rev. Fr. Jose Victor E. Lobrigo, parish priest of Daraga church said that the National Museum through its former Director Corazon S. Alvina signed on October 27, 2007 the declaration which was concurred by a panel of experts declaring the Eastern and

        Western facade, belfry and baptistry of the church and all the structures where these features are attached as a national cultural treasure.

        Based on the National Museum Declaration No. 1-2007, it is the policy of the state to preserve and protect important cultural landmarks and national cultural treasures to safeguard their intrinsic value.

        The declaration also states that the churches are products of religious beliefs and therefore belong to the category of culture.

        “The coveted title of being a national cultural treasure conferred to Our Lady of the Gate parish church as defined by the National Museum is in recognition of the fact that it is a unique object found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic, and scientific value which is significant to our country,” Lobrigo said.

        Following the declaration, the Sangguniang Bayan of Daraga also passed a resolution supporting the declaration.

        The Our Lady of the Gate Parish, also known as Cagsawa church is a blend of the old and new, described as a hybrid of architectural styles. The side facing Mt. Mayon was built much like the facade and appeals to local and foreign tourists interested in the view of the legendary volcano and the famous church.

        The four spiral columns (architecturally called salomonica) that stand out from the facade make the Daraga church unique among the churches throughout the country.

        Four round medallions in the middle of the columns bear the images of the four evangelists (Matthew, john, Luke and Mark) and are carved out of volcanic stones.

        It is a common belief that the church was built on account of the eruption of Mayon Volcano that buried the town of Cagsawa in 1814.

        But, according to historical records, construction of the church began in l773. On the other hand, Cagsawa church was buried during the 1814 Mt. Mayon eruption although the remains of the landmark were consecrated in l854 by Pope Pious 1X.

        Daraga Church is said to be the only surviving church in the country with salomonica columns which are the hallmark of the baroque style in the colonial churches of Spanish-America.

        The twisting, spiraling columns reinforce the complexity of the design and beguiling, dynamic movement of the facade.

        Historical accounts say that American forces bombed the church during World War 11. The roof was completely blown down and the right wing and wall partially destroyed.

        Right after the war, it was hurriedly reconstructed with a mixture of Renaissance Gothic and Mexican Baroque, distinguishing it from the most other churches built in colonial Philippines.

        Today the parish church and its premises are favourite tourist landmarks in terms of aesthetic value. It is considered one of the most famous landmarks in Albay and the Bicol region.