Carmelite Monastery Tours and Activities

Carmelite Monastery which includes religious aspects and heritage architecture
Carmelite Monastery showing heritage architecture, religious aspects and a garden
Carmelite Monastery featuring a garden and a statue or sculpture
Carmelite Monastery showing a garden and a statue or sculpture
Carmelite Monastery featuring interior views and religious aspects


Learn about the intriguing political history entwined with this renowned religious structure and listen to the soothing voices of nuns singing.

Visit the convent and chapel of the Carmelite Monastery, among the most iconic religious institutions of the city. It provided sanctuary to President Aquino in the second part of the 20th century and played an important role in the history of the Philippines.

Gaze up at the white arched façade with green borders and a blue rose window. A cross marks the center of the roof and various sculptures decorate the arches. Attend Mass and light a candle in the serene interior. Trees surround this humble and tranquil church, which provides refuge from the bustle of the city center.

Enter the chapel and admire the spacious nave and the stained-glass windows that flank the sides. With luck, you will arrive in time to hear the sweet tones of the nuns singing. Relax in the serene setting of the courtyard, which is decorated by trees and a central statue.

Arrive for the festivities of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in mid-July. Purchase snacks and refreshments from the hoards of vendors outside the site.

Note that the church was founded in 1949 and has an intriguing history. Hear how former president Corazon Aquino sought refuge here during the ESDA People Power Revolution.

Peruse items of a religious nature for sale in the shop run by the monastery. The displays include figurines, medical balms and snacks.

Mass takes place daily at dawn with additional services on Sundays. Get a glimpse of one of the weddings that take place here. Join the multitude of local families for traditional Christmas Mass. Many devotees donate fresh eggs to the residents of the monastery.

The Carmelite Monastery is in the eastern part of Cebu City in the province of Cebu. Locate the structure in the neighborhood of Mabolo, just east of the Ayala Center. Take a bus or jeepney to one of the many stops surrounding the attractions or drive and leave the car in a designated parking area nearby.

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Best Lodging Options Near Carmelite Monastery

Holiday Inn Cebu City by IHG

Holiday Inn Cebu City by IHG

4 out of 5
Lot 5 & 6 Block 20 Samar Loop, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Holiday Inn Cebu City by IHG
Seda Ayala Center Cebu

Seda Ayala Center Cebu

4 out of 5
Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Seda Ayala Center Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu

Radisson Blu Cebu

5 out of 5
Serging Osmena Blvd; corner Juan Luna, Cebu City, Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu
Hop Inn Hotel Cebu City

Hop Inn Hotel Cebu City

2.5 out of 5
Lot 5 and 6 Block 20, Samar Loop, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Hop Inn Hotel Cebu City
Quest Hotel & Conference Center

Quest Hotel & Conference Center

3 out of 5
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu
Quest Hotel & Conference Center
Cebu Quincentennial Hotel

Cebu Quincentennial Hotel

3.5 out of 5
23 minore park cardinal rosales avenue, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Cebu Quincentennial Hotel
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

4 out of 5
1 Salinas Drive Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu City, Cebu
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino
Cebu Family Suites powered by Cocotel

Cebu Family Suites powered by Cocotel

3 out of 5
P. Almendras St, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Cebu Family Suites powered by Cocotel
Mezzo Hotel

Mezzo Hotel

4 out of 5
Corner F. Cabahug & Pres. Quezon St., Cebu City
Mezzo Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Carmelite Monastery

Visitors to Carmelite Monastery in Cebu can enjoy a peaceful retreat experience with options for guided and group retreats. Nearby, there are shopping opportunities to explore local crafts and souvenirs. This serene setting invites tourists to reflect and rejuvenate while also indulging in the vibrant local culture, making it a perfect blend of spirituality and leisure.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centres to Carmelite Monastery are Ayala Center, only 644m away, and SM City Cebu, which is 1.1km away. Both offer a vibrant mix of family entertainment and shopping. If you're up for a drive, check out Mango Square, located 1.6km away.

Recreation

Cebu Country Club offers a relaxing golfing experience with lush greens and beautiful landscapes, perfect for unwinding. Zoomers Blacklight Mini Golf provides a fun, adventurous atmosphere for families, while Cebu Coliseum showcases thrilling sports events, ensuring an exciting day filled with recreational activities.

Adventure

For a thrilling experience, visit Jpark Island Waterpark, located 9.7km from Carmelite Monastery, offering fun water slides and family entertainment. Alternatively, try the Doce Pares Mountain Training Park, just 6.4km away, for an exhilarating zipline and ropes course adventure amidst stunning outdoor scenery.

Nightlife

In Cebu, the Waterfront Cebu City Casino, located 0.9.7km from Carmelite Monastery, offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with romance and excitement. Enjoy the thrill of gaming amidst the lively city vibes, making it a perfect spot for an entertaining night out.

Find the best attractions near Carmelite Monastery

During your visit to Carmelite Monastery in Cebu, explore nearby historic sites like the local historic house, college, and fountain. These attractions provide a rich cultural experience for travellers seeking both business and city life. Don't miss the chance to learn about the Carmelite convent, Christian monasteries, and Mount Carmel, ensuring a fulfilling and insightful journey in this beautiful region of the Philippines.

  • Osmeña Fountain Circle: A historic landmark, this vibrant fountain is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a glimpse into Cebu's cultural heritage. It's a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere, with nearby vendors selling snacks and souvenirs.
  • Cebu International Convention Center: This modern venue hosts various events and conferences, making it a hub for business and networking in the region. Its contemporary architecture and facilities provide an excellent backdrop for professional gatherings.
  • IEC Pavillon: Another key event venue, the IEC Pavillon is known for hosting significant conferences and exhibitions. Its spacious design and accommodating amenities make it a popular choice for both local and international events.

Best time to go to Carmelite Monastery

Visitor numbers around Carmelite Monastery is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Carmelite Monastery is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
February80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
March81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April83.3°F (28.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May84.4°F (29.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
July82.6°F (28.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December80.8°F (27.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carmelite Monastery

When visiting the Carmelite Monastery in Cebu, take advantage of free entry and nearby attractions like SM City Cebu and Ayala Center. For cost-effective travel, plan your visit in March, June, or November, when accommodation rates drop. Booking about a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on Expedia can lead to savings, particularly on Wednesdays. Consider combining your hotel stay with flights and activities for better package deals. Additionally, search for eco-certified hotels for budget-friendly, sustainable options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Carmelite Monastery are March, June and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Carmelite Monastery about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Carmelite Monastery is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Carmelite Monastery is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Carmelite Monastery with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.