Monte Cueva

MONTE CUEVA

Up in the hills at Brgy Rizal, at an elevation of 172 meters above sea level overlooking Maasin City, the capital of Southern Leyte, is a small cave which was developed by its original owners into a shrine with a quaint chapel inside it.

Over the years, the Monte Cueva de la Virgen Shrine has become a site for pilgrims and devotees and has become one of Maasin’s popular tourist destinations.

It’s not for those afraid of heights nor for those with weak knees…

When I first got to the site together with a group of tourism officials about 2 years ago, I faced the prospect of a laborious climb up the hill via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 400 steps! Having had no sleep the previous night after a long trip from Surigao, I politely declined the challenge and handed over the camera to my wife who was up to the dare to conquer the hill.

Later, upon seeing the pictures she took, I was regretful I didn’t join the climb. Next time, I told myself.

Last Friday, we were in Maasin and my mind was made up I had to make THE climb. Upon reaching the site, I saw some improvements, notably the construction of a new concrete stairway which local folks say is more difficult to climb due to the steep design. And more steps than the old stairway. So, we took to the old, but reliable stairway, zigzagging and snaking its way up beneath a cool canopy of trees.

City is the provincial capital and a 4th class city in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. It is the capital city of Southern Leyte.

One of the must see place in Maasin   is located  Up in the hills at Brgy Rizal ,2km from Maasin City,the Monte Cueva Shrine. The Conte Cueva is a small cave which was developed by its original owners into a shrine with a quaint chapel inside .

The shrine is located at an elevation of 172 meters above sea level overlooking Maasin City. A donation by the philanthropists Odong and Loring Chung to the Diocese of Maasin .

The shrine is  not for those who are afraid of heights nor for those with weak knees because before you reached the Monte Cueva you must conquer first the laborious climb up the hill via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 550 concrete stairways. I took a couple of rest on my way up. The climb was even more difficult and steeper  as I approached the last 20 steps.

But I was awed upon seeing the entrance of the shrine. I couldn’t  believe seeing a church inside the cave. The natural characteristics of the cave was maintained, in fact in some parts of the chapel were some waters dripping from the ceiling and is being collected in several vessels. Its walls are made of limestones and the floorings are tiled. Right on top of the altar is an opening of the cave creating  an amazing  effect  to the chapel.

Over the years, the Monte Cueva   has become a site for Catholic  pilgrims and devotees and has become one of Maasin’s popular tourist destinations.

How to get there:

From city proper of Maasin, just take a ride of trike and told to the driver that you’ll going to Monte Cueva. and that’s it. laborious climb up the hill via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 400 steps (172 meters above sea level)