Simala Shrine (Monastery of the Holy Eucharist)
Simala Shrine
A Catholic pilgrimage site on a hilltop south of Cebu, with a castle-like complex famous for its “weeping” Virgin statue. The architecture is grand and dreamlike.
The Simala Shrine is officially known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. It sits on a hillside in Sibonga, about 55 kilometers south of Cebu City. From the outside it resembles a European castle, with towers, arches, and many statues. After reports in 1998 of a miracle in which a statue of the Virgin Mary wept, it became one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. Inside, you'll find ex-voto offerings left by devotees. Admission is free, but the strict dress code applies: no shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops. Sarongs can be rented at the entrance. Keep quiet inside the shrine. You can reach it by taking a southbound bus to Sibonga and then a tricycle up the hill.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00 (busier on weekends)
Nearby sights
- Cebu Ocean Park
- Carbon Market
- 10,000 Roses Cafe
- Magellan's Cross & Basilica del Santo Niño
- Colon Street
- Fort San Pedro
- Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
- Plaza Independencia