Lourdes Grotto Baguio: Your Complete Guide to the 252-Step Pilgrimage

Climbing 252 white-painted steps through towering pine trees brings you to one of Baguio’s most sacred places. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on Mirador Hill welcomes pilgrims, tourists, and anyone seeking mountain views. Best part? It’s completely free.

Essential Information at a Glance

Location: Mirador Hill, Dominican Hill Road, Baguio City

Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Entrance: Free (parking fees may apply)

The Climb: 252 stone steps with rest areas every 10 steps

Mass: Sundays at 9:00 AM

Best Time: Late December through May (dry season)

Accessibility: Top parking available for limited mobility

A Brief History

The Jesuits built this shrine in 1913. Belgian priest Fr. Pierre Le Moine commissioned sculptor Isabelo Tampinco to create the original statue from polychromed molave. The same artist carved works for San Ignacio Church in Intramuros, Manila.

Workers used limestone from Mirador Jesuit Villa construction. The stone stairway took five years to complete. Back then, Mirador Hill stood mostly bare. Giant pines now surround the entire site.

The 1990 earthquake damaged the grotto. Restoration added a center rail to help elderly visitors. In 2007, a handicap route opened, welcoming people with mobility limitations.

The National Museum of the Philippines designated it an Important Cultural Property in 2018. This recognition protects the site as exceptional cultural and historical heritage.

Why People Visit

In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. The Baguio shrine mirrors that French sanctuary, bringing Catholic pilgrimage tradition to the Philippines.

Devotees climb during Holy Week and Lenten Season. The physical challenge becomes an act of devotion. Each step represents prayer and sacrifice.

But you don’t need to be Catholic to appreciate this place. Photographers love the panoramic views. Hikers enjoy the exercise. Nature lovers find peace in pine forests and bamboo groves.

The Climbing Experience

Starting Out

Vendors at the base sell candles in bright colors—yellows, blues, greens, pinks. Buy them here for 20 to 100 pesos. The white-painted steps begin their winding ascent through lush greenery.

The Middle Section

Between steps 50 and 150, the incline gets steeper. Giant pine trees create shade overhead. Cool mountain air carries the scent of needles. Rest areas with benches appear every 10 steps.

Your breathing gets heavier. That’s normal. Use these spots to pause and admire the view. Behind you, Baguio City spreads out. Look for Baguio Cathedral’s twin spires rising from the urban landscape.

Reaching the Top

The final stretch takes you through bamboo groves. The rustling sound they make adds to the atmosphere. At the summit, the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes stands surrounded by flowers and candles.

The panoramic view rewards your effort. On clear days, you can see parts of La Union and Naguilian Road stretching into the distance.

The Hidden Chapel

Most visitors miss Kapilya nina Hesus at Maria. This intimate chapel sits adjacent to the main grotto. Inside, the original Tampinco statue stands on the right. A glass window behind the altar frames bamboo groves beautifully.

A prayer petition box waits at the entrance for written prayers.

Skip the Climb

Can’t climb 252 steps? A road leads to parking at the summit. You’ll walk only 20 to 30 steps from there. This works perfectly for elderly visitors, families with young children, or anyone with mobility concerns.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Go

Late December through May brings dry season. Less rain means clearer views and safer steps. Baguio stays cooler than most of the Philippines during these months.

Weekday mornings between 7:00 and 9:00 AM offer the most peaceful experience. Weekends draw bigger crowds. Holy Week and February 11 (Feast Day) bring massive attendance.

What to Bring

Water tops the list. No vendors operate at the summit. Comfortable shoes matter—stone steps can be uneven. Bring cash for candles, flowers, and transportation.

A light jacket helps in Baguio’s cool climate, especially mornings. Your camera captures the views. An umbrella protects against unpredictable weather.

Wear modest clothing. Covering shoulders and knees shows respect at this sacred site.

Getting There

From Session Road

Jeepneys marked “Dominican Hill Road” leave from the Abanao-Zandueta intersection. The ride costs 10 to 15 pesos and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Tell the driver you’re going to the grotto.

Taxis or Grab cost 80 to 120 pesos from Session Road. The trip takes 10 to 15 minutes. Walking is free but covers 2.5 kilometers—save your energy for the stairs.

Parking Options

Bottom parking costs 20 to 30 pesos near the step base. Top parking via the snaking road costs 30 to 50 pesos. From there, walk just 5 to 10 minutes to the grotto.

Space usually remains available except during Holy Week and the February 11 Feast Day.

What Else to See Nearby

Mirador Heritage and Eco Park sits next door. The 100-peso entrance fee gets you terraced gardens, bamboo groves, and viewpoints. Budget one to two hours there.

Diplomat Hotel ruins share the same jeepney route. This abandoned historic building offers free admission and photogenic architecture.

Visit the grotto early (7 to 9 AM), then explore both attractions until noon.

Quick Tips

Arrive on weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Buy candles at the base where they’re cheaper. Early parking at the bottom is often free.

Sunrise between 6:30 and 8:00 AM offers the best photography light. Golden hour happens from 4:30 to 5:30 PM.

Behind the chapel, a bamboo grove path leads to a quieter viewpoint. The original statue inside Kapilya nina Hesus at Maria gets overlooked by most visitors.

Common Questions

How many steps are there?

Exactly 252 from base to summit. Top parking reduces this to about 20 to 30 steps.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. Admission is free. Parking costs 20 to 50 pesos.

Can elderly people visit?

Yes. Top parking and the handicap route make it accessible without climbing all the steps.

How long does climbing take?

Most people need 20 to 45 minutes depending on fitness level and rest stops.

What should I wear?

Modest clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring a light jacket for cool mornings.

When is Mass held?

Sundays at 9:00 AM. Special seasons may have different schedules.

Start Your Journey

Whether you seek spiritual peace or mountain views, this shrine delivers both. The 252 steps carry you toward reflection at one of the country’s most important cultural properties.

Visit during dry season for best conditions. Arrive early on weekdays. Dress modestly and bring water. Free admission welcomes everyone.

Pack your comfortable shoes and discover what draws millions to this sacred climb. Baguio’s cool mountain air and historic shrine await your visit.