Cavite is one of the places in the Philippines that witnessed multiple historical events and gave birth to several adorned national heroes. Situated just a few miles away from Metro Manila, this province is the ideal place for your next getaway. Here, we listed some of the historical sites in Cavite that you should visit.
Battle of Alapan Marker and Flag
The Battle of Alapan was a momentous event in the quest for Philippine Independence because it was the first significant victory of the military forces headed by Emilio Aguinaldo after his return from Hong Kong to the Philippines. After the Battle of Alapan, Aguinaldo marched to Cavite, and the 300 Spaniards they held captive and unfurled what would soon become the Philippine National Flag. You may visit the Battle of Alapan Marker and Flag to have a sight of what history books have been teaching us.
The Battle of Binakayan Monument pays homage to the fierce battle between the Spanish colonizers and the Filipino soldiers in Kawit on November 9-11, 1896. With General Emilio Aguinaldo leading the force, this major battle became one of the defining moments of our ancestors’ victory in their struggle for Philippine independence. While the battle of Binakayan was happening, other key battles also took place in other nearby surrounding areas, including Dalahican, Noveleta, Imus, and Bacoor. The success of these simultaneous battles put the operations of the Spanish army on hold for more than a month.
Belfry Of Recoletos Church
The Belfry of Recoletos Church is located in Cavite City. It is the only ruins of the numerous churches from the Spanish era that survive the real test of time. During the 17th century, the port city experienced economic and religious success. That is why various church orders built different churches around the city. However, none of these churches remained intact due to the war that took place.
Bonifacio Trial House
The Roderico Reyes Ancestral Home, popularly known as Bonifacio Trial House, is a historically significant place in Maragondon, Cavite, Philippines. This ancestral house served as a military court where Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were tried for sedition and treason after refusing to accept the Philippine Revolutionary Government headed by the newly minted president, Emilio Aguinaldo. Today, this house has been turned into a museum called Ang Museo ng Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio to commemorate Andres Bonifacio’s trial that took place in this house. The entrance fee to explore the Bonifacio Trial House is 50 Php, and people may visit the museum from 8 AM to 4 PM daily except for Mondays. If you want to learn more about the Philippines’ rich history, the Bonifacio Trial House is the place to be.
Dasmariñas Catholic Church
After Dasmariñas became a separate parish church in 1866, the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, also known as the Dasmariñas Church, was established and became the first-ever Catholic parish church in Dasmariñas, Cavite. In 1897, this stone church served as the site of the Battle of Perez Dasmariñas. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared this church as a historical landmark.
Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine
On June 12, 1898, the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spanish colonizers took place at the Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine. During the celebration, the interim government first unfurled the Philippine Flag. The Philippine National Anthem was also first played on this shrine’s grounds by San Francisco de Malabon’s marching band. The Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine is located on Tirona Highway, and it is open every day except Mondays from 8 AM to 4 PM.
General Trias Church
The St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, more popularly known as the General Trias Church, is located at General Trias, Cavite. This church is the original catholic parish church in General Trias, with its establishment dating back to the Spanish colonial period. This parish church is famous to many people not just because of the convent attached to the church but also because it was the site where the San Francisco de Malabon practiced the Philippine National Anthem before being performed during the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain. In 1992, the General Trias Church was declared as a historic structure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Julian Felipe Monument
Julian Felipe composed the Philippine National Anthem, originally entitled Marcional Filipina, which was played by the band San Francisco de Malabon during the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain. As a tribute to his contribution to Philippine History, his monument was erected in Cavite City in 1958. Indeed, Cavite is a place rich in history. From churches, monuments, museums, and shrines, Cavite has many places to offer. We hope that you are now better guided in your next Cavite field trip with this list.
