Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague in Davao

With its array of sights to be beheld, one should not hold any preconceived notions as to what can be seen in Davao. With its long history and the numerous cultures that have thrived in it, and considering that the Philippines is a devoutly Catholic country for the most part, one should not be surprised to find the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague within the city of Davao.

For those that are not that accustomed with the religious traditions of the Philippines, the Holy Infant Jesus (or the Santo Niño as it is referred to in the country) is one of the most venerated images of the Catholic faith present in the Philippines. The celebrated religious icon was brought by the Spanish when it colonized the islands and since then the Filipino faithful have showed an unwavering devotion to the child Jesus.

The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is situated atop Davao’s Matina Hills, where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s sprawling landscape and the other sights to be seen within and beyond it.

The location has also made the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague the perfect place for pilgrimage and worship as the elevation of the terrain has made the shrine serene and tranquil. The addition of the rolling grass that surrounds the area and some pockets of mango trees that have been there for ages have made the place an even more ideal destination for those who want to undergo any kind reflection or meditation that one may opt to do.

One other distinguishing feature of the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is its lack of walls. Instead, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague can be seen as a chain of open-air chapels located within a sprawling expanse of greenery. This arrangement has made the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus a great destination for pilgrims searching for an out of the ordinary itinerary.

For those who are planning to trek to the shrine, it is important to remember the following reminders. Taking the tricycle from the foot of the Matina Hills is the most convenient way to get to the shrine. If one has a means of transportation, the shrine can be reached by traversing the same route plied by the tricycles or through the entry path from the Diversion Road exit.

The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is one of Davao City’s most popular tourist destinations and it is easy to see why especially if one knows the pristine ambience and the tranquil atmosphere that it offers to everyone, may they be one of the faithful or not.