Presently, Calvario Hill is the site of Bicol's magnificent Emerald Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes. In olden times, the hill was once thought as the habitat of the Asuang (witch), the reason why the hill is referred to as the "orno" or "oven". As the result of the evangelization of the area, the hill became the site for staging "Pagtanggal", the Iriga folk version of the reenactment of the Passion of Christ, hence, the name "Calvario Hill". The first "ermita" or mission chapel of Iriga during Spanish times was erected here as evidenced by religious artifacts unearthened at the site. Opposite the Ermita, the Casino Español was erected, a favorite converging place for Spanish rulers. When the Americans came at the turn of the century, this was converted into a base for cavalry forces. During the Japanese occupation, a Japanese garrison was established on the hilltop, utilized as watchtower against guerillas. Many Filipinos met martyrdom in this area.

Location

Calvario Hill is located at Barangay San Francisco, Iriga City, Camarines Sur.

How to get there

By Air

The province of Camarines Sur can be reached by plane within a travel time of 45 minutes. Flights are serviced by the Air Philippines (Pal Express), Zest Air, and Cebu Pacific from Manila to Naga City Airport (the capital of the province). Riding a plane is the quickest way to go to the province.

--- From Naga City, take a bus, van, or jeepney going to the city of Iriga.

By Land

Aircon and non-aircon buses like PhilTranco, Isarog Bus Co., and Peñafrancia Bus Lines ply daily through the Quirino Highway from Manila to Naga or directly going to Iriga City.

Accommodation

•    Parkview Hotel - San Roque, Iriga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol
•    Asog County Hotel - Highway 1 San Isidro , Iriga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol
•    Bersabaren Garden Resort - E. Corporal Street, San Isidro, Iriga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol