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Temple of Leah: Cebu’s Taj Mahal

There’s something very romantic about the ambiance of the place, maybe because it was created out of love. A love story that ended in 2012 continues to live inside the pillars of Cebu’s Taj Mahal-like structure. Temple of Leah in Cebu City is situated on top of the mountain. A love for the late Leah Albino Adarna, grandmother of the famous Filipina actress Ellen Adarna.

Massive pillars dominate the outside of the temple.
Massive pillars dominate the outside of the temple.
The magnificent fountain graces the entrance of the mausoleum. The fountain features three naked maiden statues and four seated horses.
The magnificent fountain graces the entrance of the mausoleum. The fountain features three naked maiden statues and four seated horses.
The temple can get very busy during the summer time.
The temple can get very busy during the summertime.

Teodorico Adarna and his wife Leah started their family very young. Leah was 16, and Teodorico was 19 when they got married. Leah later died of lung cancer at 69 years old. The construction of the temple started in 2012 and continues to this day. The building reportedly costs around 80 million pesos and symbolizes his undying love for his wife. Teodorico promised that he would store all her things under one roof.

The Golden Queen. The late Leah Albino Adarna adorned in a 9-foot bronze statue.
The Golden Queen. The late Leah Albino Adarna was adorned in a 9-foot bronze statue.
A gracious pose for a gracious queen.
A gracious pose for a benevolent queen.

Inside the temple lies the various collection of the late Leah Albino Adarna. According to her daughter Arlene Adarna Mangubat, her mother Leah is a known hoarder who never threw anything away, even plastic Jollibee spoons.

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A Roman-inspired treasure guardian stands to protect the memories inside.
A Roman-inspired treasure guardian stands to protect the memories inside.
The temple offers magnificent views of Cebu City.
The temple offers magnificent views of Cebu City.
Inside the temple now features the various ceramic collections of the late Adarna.
Inside the temple now features the various ceramic collections of the late Adarna.
The late Adarna is a bookworm, as evidenced by the large book collection they have.
The late Adarna is a bookworm, as evidenced by the large book collection they have.
And of course, their taste for expensive liquors.
And, of course, their taste for expensive liquors.
Teodorico's inside Temple of Leah is now open serving you some great Filipino dishes.
Teodorico’s inside Temple of Leah is now open, serving you some great Filipino dishes.
Foggy day at Cebu City's Taj Mahal.
Foggy day at Cebu City’s Taj Mahal.
Temple of Leah at night.
Temple of Leah at night.
The beautiful Roman-inspired pillars of the temple at night with the pyramid at the back housing the chandelier of Leah.
The beautiful Roman-inspired pillars of the temple at night with the pyramid at the back housing the chandelier of Leah.
Watch our cinematic tour of the Temple of Love and Taj Mahal of Cebu City on our YouTube Channel.

Temple of Leah is a hoarder’s story and a husband who kept his promise.

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General Information (2023):

Location: Busay, Cebu City
Visiting Hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight daily
Entrance Fee: PHP 100 per person
Parking Fee: PHP 50
Other Fees: PHP 2,500 for event photography

How to Get to Temple of Leah:

  • Via Jeepney

    You may catch a 04D, 04I, or 04H (Lahug-Busay) jeepney from downtown Cebu City. The fare is around PHP 10 per person. Ask the driver to drop you off at the street going to Temple of Leah. It’s a five-minute walk to the site.

  • Via Public Transport

    You may take a habal-habal from JY Center in Lahug. The fare costs PHP 150 per person.

  • Via Car

    Navigate using Waze or Google / Apple Maps and key in Temple of Leah. There are plenty of parking spaces available.

Location Information:

Temple of Leah is located on top of a hill in the town of Busay in Cebu. The travel time from downtown Cebu is around 30 minutes.

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