Montemaria Shrine in Batangas: Mother of All Asia, Tower of Peace
Ninety-eight meters of Virgin Mary on a headland above Batangas Bay, taller than the Statue of Liberty. Started in 2014, finished in 2021, and the glass walk came after.
The statue is 98 meters tall, which puts it above the Statue of Liberty and above Christ the Redeemer, and it stands on a headland facing Batangas Bay. Construction ran from 2014 to 2021, finishing in time for the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines. Suroy.ph first photographed it in 2019, when the tower under it was still scaffolding. The Miracle Glass Walk out over the cliff came later.
The image of the Virgin Mary is also the tallest statue in the Philippines and is considered the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary and the 6th tallest statue in the world.
The place can get packed, especially during the Lenten season, when thousands of devotees would flock to the area and pray. There is also a similar statue of Our Virgin Mary in Q-Park in Cebu, Padre Pio in Bulacan, and The Divine Mercy in Bulacan, but it’s much smaller than this.
A Majestic Landmark
The Mother of All Asia Statue
The centerpiece of Montemaria Shrine is the towering statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands at an impressive height of 98 meters (approximately 322 feet). This monumental statue, one of the tallest in the world, serves as a beacon of faith and hope. It overlooks Batangas Bay and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The image of our Blessed Virgin Mary is a feat to behold, standing taller than New York’s Statue of Liberty and Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. It sits in a 130-hectare township 40 minutes away from Batangas City. Construction started in 2014 and was completed in 2021 in time for the 500th-year celebration of Christianity in the Philippines.
Chapel of the Divine Mercy
Within the complex, the Chapel of the Divine Mercy provides a serene space for prayer and reflection. This chapel is a focal point for religious services and gatherings, making it a spiritual hub for pilgrims. The chapel’s design, with its large glass windows, allows natural light to fill the space, enhancing the sense of peace and tranquility.
Scenic Beauty and Tranquil Surroundings
Montemaria Shrine is not only a place for spiritual nourishment but also a destination where visitors can immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. The site is surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped gardens, providing a serene backdrop for meditation and relaxation. The panoramic views of Batangas Bay and the South China Sea add to the site’s allure, making it a perfect spot for reflection and photography.
Stations of the Cross
The pilgrimage center features a pathway with the Stations of the Cross, allowing visitors to meditate on the Passion of Christ as they walk through the picturesque grounds. Each station is artistically crafted and strategically placed along a scenic route that enhances the spiritual journey.
Montemaria Miracle Glass Walk
A recent addition to Montemaria Shrine that has been capturing the hearts of visitors is the Montemaria Miracle Glass Walk. This stunning glass walkway offers an exhilarating experience as it extends over a cliffside, giving visitors a clear line straight down to Batangas Bay and across to the islands of the Verde Island Passage. Walking along the transparent glass floor creates the sensation of walking on air, perfect for those looking for a unique thrill while soaking in the beauty of nature.
The Miracle Glass Walk also offers a serene atmosphere ideal for reflection and prayer, complementing the spiritual essence of Montemaria. The walkway is equipped with safety features, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. The deck stands about 135 metres above the water and runs roughly 118 metres out, on three inch glass. Entry is ₱300, paid in cash at the gate. One thing to settle before queueing: the Miracle Walk and the Mirror Deck are two different attractions on two different tickets. The Mirror Deck is the ₱80 photo platform. A lot of posts online use the two names for the same thing, which is how people end up paying at the wrong counter. Checked September 2026. It’s a one paid attraction here that earns its ticket, provided the drop does not bother you.
Don’t miss the chance to take incredible photos here, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the view becomes even more magical. The Montemaria Miracle Glass Walk adds a new dimension to the Montemaria experience, making your visit even more memorable and inspiring.
Events and Activities
Montemaria regularly hosts religious events, retreats, and celebrations, attracting a large number of participants. Key events include Marian feasts, Holy Week observances, and special Masses, which are often attended by large crowds of devotees.
Montemaria Shrine in Batangas is a testament to faith, peace, and unity. The statue, the quiet and the run of the bay do most of the work here, and the site carries a pilgrim and a day tripper about equally well. Most people arrive for one of those and end up staying for the other.
General Information about Montemaria Shrine
Opening Hours:
the grounds open at 8:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Some listings put it at 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Suroy.ph could not settle which is current, so plan on the shorter window. Do not arrive after 5:00 PM if you want the tower and the decks as well as the church. Checked September 2026.
Entrance Fee:
the shrine grounds are free. The attractions are ticketed separately and it is cash only at the counters, no cards and no e-wallets. The Miracle Walk glass bridge is ₱300, the tower view deck ₱150, the Mirror Deck ₱80, the Rainbow Glass Ladder ₱100 and the Dream Maze ₱150. Parking is ₱50 for a car, ₱20 for a motorcycle, ₱30 for a big bike and ₱500 for a bus. Checked September 2026. These rates have moved twice since the walk opened, so bring more cash than the total above.
Montemaria Shrine mass schedule, confirmed current in September 2026:
- First Friday of the month: 4:00 PM
- Every 8th day of the month: 9:00 AM
- Saturdays: 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:15PM, 3:30PM
- Sundays: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:15PM, 3:30PM
The two monthly masses run on fixed dates rather than fixed weekdays, so the 8th can land midweek. Check the calendar before building a trip around either one.
Rooms are available, and Montemaria caters to tourists, pilgrims, and retirees. They also cater to wedding events. The fee as of this writing is around PHP 15,000.
We suggest bringing your jacket as it can get chilly, especially early in the morning and afternoon. You can catch the perfect sunset in the Bay of Batangas.
How to Get to Montemaria Shrine
Montemaria is accessible by road from Manila, with travel time averaging around three hours. Visitors can drive or take public transportation to Batangas City, followed by a short trip to the pilgrimage site.
By Public Transport: There are daily flights to Manila from Cebu City. In Manila, go to Buendia Bus Terminal and take a bus to Batangas Grand Terminal (Fare P200). DLTB and JAM liners take this route.
From the bus terminal, take a jeepney going to SM Batangas.
From SM Batangas Passenger Terminal, take another jeepney going to Ilijan (Fare is P40).
By Car: From Manila, navigate using Waze or Google / Apple Maps and key in Montemaria Pilgrimage as your destination.
Location Information
Batangas is an industrial city with several oil refineries and power plants. It is around 130 km away from the airport. Depending on traffic, travel time can go between 2-3 hours from Manila.
Nearby Attractions
While visiting Montemaria, you can also explore nearby destinations such as:
- Taal Volcano: Known for its picturesque crater lake.
- Batangas Beaches: Perfect for a relaxing swim or a day by the sea.
- Fantasy World: An enchanting, castle-themed attraction offering whimsical architecture and picturesque views, ideal for family trips and photo enthusiasts.
- Padre Pio Mountain of Healing: A peaceful pilgrimage site known for its healing masses and serene environment.
- Divine Mercy Statue in Bulacan: A towering statue that offers a serene space for prayer and reflection, attracting devotees from all over the country.
Final Thoughts
Montemaria Shrine is more than just a destination; it is a journey of the soul. Here, where the sky kisses the sea and the towering statue of the Virgin Mary watches over Batangas Bay, visitors find a sanctuary for reflection, prayer, and inspiration. The newly opened Montemaria Miracle Glass Walk adds a touch of wonder to the experience, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound realizations come when we dare to step into the unknown.
As you stand above the glass walkway, gazing at the vast horizon, may you be reminded of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Let the beauty of nature and the serenity of Montemaria inspire you to walk your path with faith, courage, and a heart open to miracles. Your visit here is not just a moment of escape; it’s an unforgettable chapter of hope, grace, and spiritual awakening.
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