Passing By Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Nagcarlan is probably one of the towns in Laguna that is earning some attention now because of the  historical landmark that people are gradually learning about.    It is the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery.  It is probably Nagcarlan's equivalent to the hanging coffins of Sagada.   We Filipinos seem to have a fascination for cemeteries or coffins.  There's also the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin that tourists may view and include in their travel itinerary.   The underground cemetery in Nagcarlan, is part of what was originally the Catholic Cemetery of the town.      

There are three areas to see.  The crypt which is found within the "kapilya" or chapel.  There is a passage on the right side upon entering the chapel in order to go down the  underground cemetery. And then there is the external cemetery, which is more like a burial wall, and the chapel.  The cool part is that, the facade of the chapel was created in such a way that it fits and almost identical with the entrance or gate to the chapel or burial walls.   The accuracy of the measurements is amazing to see being they are proportional at all angles.  It's genius.

In the center of the chapel lies the statue of the Santo Enterrio.  I thought it looked like the Poong Nazareno that lives in Quiapo Church.  What's with these statues?  They almost look alike, all of them.   The women look like men and men look like women.  Anyhow, I said a short prayer and proceeded to the 'crypt'.  It is said that only the prominent families of the town were given the privilege to be buried in the underground cemetery.   The last time someone was buried in the underground cemetery was in the 70's while in the external cemetery, in the early 80s.  

It became known that many secret meetings of the revolutionary groups in 1896 would be held here.  Sometimes, the revolutionaries would also just seek refuge in the crypt.  During World War II, it became the hiding place of the Filipino Guerillas.  Because of its historical and religious significance, this landmark should be protected and also be promoted for other Filipinos, especially students, to see. 

 The following information can help you if you want to come here for a historical tour.

Museum Schedule	Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Shrine Curator	Ms. Carmina Cecille C. Sumague
Contact numbers	(049) 807-1225