Budiao Church Ruins

Budiao Ruins in Daraga, Albay, is an archaeological site of an old town buried by the 1814 eruption of Mayon Volcano. Located in Barangay Bañadero, about 8 kilometers from Mayon's crater, these ruins offer a solemn glimpse into a tragic chapter of Bicolano history and a new heritage destination in the province.

The town of Budiao was founded as a separate parish on November 29, 1786. Its stone church, dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, was built by Franciscan friar Fr. Francisco Aragoneses. On February 1, 1814, Mayon Volcano's deadliest eruption buried the entire town under thick volcanic deposits, leaving only the church walls visible above ground. The parish was abandoned, and Budiao later became part of Daraga town. For over 200 years, the ruins lay largely untouched until archaeologists from the University of the Philippines began excavations in 2018. Their diggings revealed that the buried Budiao Church was actually larger than the famous Cagsawa Church, with its entrance measuring about 10 by 15 meters. Archaeologists reached depths of over 8 meters without hitting the church floor, suggesting the structure could be about 10 meters tall. The site has been declared a local heritage site and was recently recognized as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. Visitors today can see the remaining walls of the old church and learn about the town's history through ongoing archaeological work. It is a meaningful stop for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the enduring story of Bicolano resilience.