The Daraga Church, also known as Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church or the church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria is situated on the top of the Sta. Maria hill Daraga, Albay. It is one of the most visited churches in the Philippines and serves as one of the major churches in the province of Albay. It was built in March 1773 by Franciscan Priest. The church was made of volcanic stones and the structure of it is based on Baroque-Rococo structure because it has a belfry on the side and a convent on the other side.
After Mayon volcano erupted in 1814, the residents of Cagsawa transferred to Daraga after their houses and properties in Cagsawa, Albay and the nearby towns were destroyed including the Cagsawa Church.
During the Second World War in 1945, Japanese soldiers used the church as their headquarters and it was heavily damaged by joint American and Filipino military bombers but it was reconstructed in 1971 – 1973.
In October 29, 2007, the Eastern and Western façade, Bell Tower and Baptistery of the Church was declared by the National Museum as National Cultural Treasure.
In October 29, 2007, the Eastern and Western façade, Bell Tower and Baptistery of the Church was declared by the National Museum as National Cultural Treasure.
With the help of government agencies like the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the church undergo in rehabilitation to protect and prevent the façade from rapid deterioration and to preserve the church's cultural and historical significance it was covered by lime coating/protective covering (white color).
How To Get There:
If you are in Legazpi City, Take a Daraga-Legazpi jeepney route and ask the driver to bring you to Daraga municipal hall. From the Daraga Municipal Hall, take the stairs that will lead you up to the church.It may cost you Php 10.00 per person. Aside from jepneey, you can also ride tricycle but the cost may vary depending on your location. 
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