St. John the Baptist Church was created in 1830 and finished in 1883. It is situated in the town proper. It was built on the site of the first cross planted in Catanduanes to mark the grave of an Augustinian friar, Diego de Herrerra. Herrerra died there in 1576.
A century old, the church is made of stone and is one of the oldest churches in the province. It was built in the spirit of “bayanihan” by the natives who toiled like ants until each brick adhered together. It also had a legendary bell that warned the Batonhons of incoming Japanese guerillas during the Second World War.
Location
Bato is located eight kilometers east of Virac.
Features
St. John the Baptist Church is a very simple, classical structure. The main portal is topped by a clean semicircular arch gramed by pilasters. The wall is leveled to the side to deviate from absolute flatness. A cornice divides the the church into two levels. The bell tower serves as the church's entire second level, which is crowned with a dome. The whole church is topped with a large white cross. The absence of a pediment is noticable.
List of Accommodations in Catanduanes
- Catanduanes Midtown Inn - San Jose, Virac, Catanduanes
- Marem Pension House - Sta. Cruz, Virac, Catanduanes
- Kemji Resort and Restaurant - San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
- Rakdell Inn - San Pedro, Virac, Catanduanes
- Rhaj Apartelle and Executive Inn - Rizal Avenue, Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes
- Terrazas de Ponti Mansions - Real Street, Calatagan Proper, Virac, Catanduanes
- JM Pension House - Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes
- Villa Tolledo Travel Lodge - Sta. Elena, Virac, Catanduanes
- Monte Verde Lodge - Danicop, Virac, Catanduanes
- Nitto Lodge - Cavinitan, Virac, Catanduanes
- Moonwalk Villa Resort - Moonwalk, Virac, Catanduanes
Getting there
By Air
- Zest Air flies from Manila to Catanduanes and vice versa daily.
- Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Virac, Catanduanes vice versa every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
By Land and Water
Numerous bus lines operate air-conditioned coaches from Manila to Tabaco, Albay with trips running from 9 to 10 hours. Another option is to take RSL bus from Manila to Catanduanes which has ticketing stations at and pick-up stations at Alabang (near Metropolis) or Ermita (Ground Floor, Trade Center, Padre Faura St.)
From the seaport of Tabaco, hop on either at MV Calixta 2, 4 and 5 or MV Eugene Elson to reach the island of Catanduanes via San Andres or Virac seaport.
Getting Around the Island
Tricycle is the primary mode of transport within the capital town of Virac. PUJs and buses ply from Virac to the different municipalities daily on scheduled time. For the more daring and adventurous, the entire province could be reached by motorcycle.