Friday, June 24, 2011

Dambana ng Kagitingan

Or the “Shrine of Valour


A memorial shrine complex built to honor and remember the heroism of the Filipino soldiers who fought during the famous Fall of Bataan (the last stand against the Japanese invasion) in World War II. Operating Hours is from 8 – 12 in the morning and 1 – 5 in the afternoon. There is an entrance fee per person (plus entrance fee per vehicle). This same ticket is also use as entrance to the War Museum in the Colonnade. And then a separate ticket to pay for a visit inside the giant Memorial Cross.



Built on top of Mount Samat, Pilar Bataan about 555 meters above sea level. See also the memorial cross from the highways of Balanga Bataan.


The Shrine complex has 2 main sections: The Colonnade and The Memorial Cross.
First, you will see the Colonnade structure wherein the War Museum is located. Also inside the colonnade, in the middle are three religious stained glass murals and on the two lateral walls are inscribed in marble the narrative of the “Battle of Bataan”.



Then on top of Mt Samat is the Memorial Cross. The stairs shown below made of bloodstones from Corregidor island will direct you to the Memorial Cross. Take note that there is an alternate route that vehicles can proceed to the top.



The height of the cross is 92 metres (302 ft) from the base. The base of the cross is capped with sculptural slabs titled “Nabiag Na Bato” depicting important historical figures and events of Jose Rizal, Lapu-lapu and Antonio Luna. 





See and play video of the Memorial Cross. Click the link below.

How to go there?
From Manila, head north by taking the NLEX and then SCTEX, follow the signs to Subic. Then exit at the Dinalupihan exit going to the Roman Highway. And on this Hi-way about 30 mins, turn right at Gov J.J. Linao National Road. Then upon reaching the Mt. Samat junction, turn left at Mt. Samat road a winding uphill road to the shrine.

View Larger Map

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...