Porta Mariae - Camarines Sur

Porta Mariae is a commemorative arch built to celebrate the 300 years of Bicolano devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia. It is located on the corner of Paz Street and Barlin Street in front of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral in Naga City in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines.

Porta Mariae

Porta Mariae details

Although it's fairly a new attraction to the city, it's slowly gaining fame due to its "background-ish" nature. What I mean is, it serves as a great backdrop to any pictures. As a matter of fact Porta Mariae is as grandeur as the cathedral. 

Porta Mariae - Naga City, Camarines Sur

Visitors and pilgrims would often leave positive comments about how the arch gives a regal feel once they enter the vicinity of Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

Porta Mariae stands 36 feet high and 59 feet wide

Porta Mariae is a solar-powered arc. 

For those who don't know Porta Mariae is the Latin for Marian Gate. It was built and formally opened on the 9th of September 2010. The arch was built as a commemoration of the tercentenary of the devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia. It was blessed and inaugurated by Archbishop Leandro Legazpi. The arch stands 36 feet high, and 59 feet wide, and has a surmounted 10 feet brass image of the Our Lady of Penafrancia with two angels on each side.

We passed through Porta Mariae to visit the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral as seen from the arc

A closer look at the arc

I got to visit Porta Mariae for the first time during our CamSur-Albay Road Trip 2014.  Porta Mariae was the very first pilgrimage attraction that we visited. Although much smaller, it reminded me of the Triumph Gate of France which I frequently see in travel videos.

Team Nicerio visits Porta Mariae

Porta Mariae Entrance Fee

It's FREE to visit Porta Mariae.

Porta Mariae Operating Hours 

Porta Mariae is open 24/7. 

Why visit Porta Mariae?

Porta Mariae is a perfect side trip when you are on a pilgrimage to Naga City. You can check it out when you are in the vicinity of Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Although there is nothing much to do here, it's still a destination to visit if you want to admire the religious side of the city.

Getting to Porta Mariae:

 

From Manila, board a bus heading to Naga City. From there, ride a tricycle to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The Porta Mariae will be the first to greet you when you arrive at your destination.
Bus fare: 650 - 850 pesos depending on the bus type.

 Ratings:
Pilgrims
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Overall rating
Location: Jacob, Naga, Camarines Sur, Philippines

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