Quezon Province
Historic churches. Festive folk art. Heritage houses. Colorful landscapes. Gastronomic delights. Deserted beaches. Just three hours and a world away from the Philippine capital of Manila, the relaxed province of Quezon is one of the country's most scenic and culturally rich.
Part of the Calabarzon region of Luzon island, the narrow stretch of Quezon province cozies up to the island's eastern coastline, sweeping south from Desada Point to Bicol. Quezon Province is best known for its historic churches – Tayabas City's St. Michael Archangel Basilica, home to the longest aisle in the nation, and Lucban's greenery-fronted St. Louis of Toulouse – and festive celebrations, particularly the Pahiyas Festival.
While many visitors come for the culture and history, they also find themselves falling in love with our people, our architecture, our cuisine and our spectacular beaches. There is plenty to see, do and explore in Quezon, all accessible from Graceland.
Sariaya
Quezon's town of Sariaya is well known for its ancestral houses – grand, turn-of-the-century homes built by the coconut industry and inspired by European and American mansion architecture. Popular ancestral stops include the Municipio, Gala-Rodriguez Mansion, Alvarez Residence and Doña Rodriguez Mansion.
Lucban
The Kamay ni Hesus shrine and healing chapel is an important pilgrimage site, especially during Holy Week. It also serves as a year-round destination for tourists and the faithful who visit to attend the famed healing mass and walk amongst the diverse display of religious murals and statues. Those willing to ascend the 305 steps to reach the 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Lucena
The provincial capital of Quezon, Lucena is a small city with big personality: Franciscan priests and pirates and revolutionists all have stories to tell about the town's history and modern-day culture.
Tiaong
The town of Tiaong houses one of the most treasured secrets in the Philippines: Ugu Bigyan's pottery garden. Here, you can even learn to make pottery of your own!
Quezon Beaches
Journey past Tayabas City's borders – and hop on a ferry or two – to reach some of the country's lesser known sandy destinations like Cagbalete Island. Like many beaches in the Philippine archipelago, the shorelines closest to Graceland are beautiful, spectacular displays of natural beauty. But unlike other, more popular beaches, with their big hotels and jumble of beach vendors, Quezon's sands are best described in three words: untouched, unspoiled and unbelievable. And here's a fourth: unforgettable.
Part of the Calabarzon region of Luzon island, the narrow stretch of Quezon province cozies up to the island's eastern coastline, sweeping south from Desada Point to Bicol. Quezon Province is best known for its historic churches – Tayabas City's St. Michael Archangel Basilica, home to the longest aisle in the nation, and Lucban's greenery-fronted St. Louis of Toulouse – and festive celebrations, particularly the Pahiyas Festival.
While many visitors come for the culture and history, they also find themselves falling in love with our people, our architecture, our cuisine and our spectacular beaches. There is plenty to see, do and explore in Quezon, all accessible from Graceland.
Sariaya
Quezon's town of Sariaya is well known for its ancestral houses – grand, turn-of-the-century homes built by the coconut industry and inspired by European and American mansion architecture. Popular ancestral stops include the Municipio, Gala-Rodriguez Mansion, Alvarez Residence and Doña Rodriguez Mansion.
Lucban
The Kamay ni Hesus shrine and healing chapel is an important pilgrimage site, especially during Holy Week. It also serves as a year-round destination for tourists and the faithful who visit to attend the famed healing mass and walk amongst the diverse display of religious murals and statues. Those willing to ascend the 305 steps to reach the 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Lucena
The provincial capital of Quezon, Lucena is a small city with big personality: Franciscan priests and pirates and revolutionists all have stories to tell about the town's history and modern-day culture.
Tiaong
The town of Tiaong houses one of the most treasured secrets in the Philippines: Ugu Bigyan's pottery garden. Here, you can even learn to make pottery of your own!
Quezon Beaches
Journey past Tayabas City's borders – and hop on a ferry or two – to reach some of the country's lesser known sandy destinations like Cagbalete Island. Like many beaches in the Philippine archipelago, the shorelines closest to Graceland are beautiful, spectacular displays of natural beauty. But unlike other, more popular beaches, with their big hotels and jumble of beach vendors, Quezon's sands are best described in three words: untouched, unspoiled and unbelievable. And here's a fourth: unforgettable.
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