PLACES TO VISIT
SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA is more than just an industrial city. Aside from its business hubs, it also boasts interesting heritage sites and outstanding leisure destinations.
A look at the ruins of Santa Rosa’s past provides people an opportunity to experience a bit of the city’s rich history. An example of this is the Bantayan or the Santa Rosa Arch. The original structure was built between 1859 and 1860 and was inspired by the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It replaced the old guard tower that protected the city against bandits during the Spanish colonial period. The renovated version that stands today was created in 1925 during the term of the Municipal President Jose Zavalla. Local sculptor David Diaz was commissioned to renovate the structure. A structured staircase, wraparound balcony, sunburst design on alcove and a grand lady flaming torch were added to the reconstructed version.
The Santa Rosa de Lima Parish is a reminder of the Dominican presence and influence in the early years. The church was constructed upon the arrival of Fray Francisco Favie of the Dominican Order in 1792. Built in 1817, the church featured a belfry with seven bells named Santa Barbara, Santissimo Sacramento, Santo Domingo de Guzman, Santa Catalina, San Jose, San Juan Bautista and Santa Rosa, but it had to be reconstructed after an earthquake.
A recently declared national historical site in Santa Rosa is the Cuartel de Santo Domingo. Established in 1877 in Barangay Santo Domingo, near the Santa Rosa, Laguna — Silang, Cavite boundary, it served as the headquarters of the Guardia Civil. It was used to guard the prosperous rice-producing lowlands of Laguna, specifically the Dominican haciendas of Santa Rosa and Biñan, considered the crown jewels.
Santa Rosa is also home to Museo de Santa Rosa that gives people a glimpse of the different periods that Santa Rosa has gone through.
For families, friends and the thrill-seekers, there’s Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s first and world-class theme park. Built on Oct. 19, 1995, it is a brainchild of Cesar Mario O. Mamon. It features thematic worlds, thrill rides like the space shuttle, Disk o Magic and EKstreme tower, and shows, among others. It also has extreme sports facilities for go-kart racing and paint ball.
For golf lovers, there’s Santa Elena Golf Club, a 27-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and has been included on the list of the 100 best golf courses outside the United States by Golf Digest.
Meanwhi le, Ayala Land, Inc.’s Nuvali features an environment-friendly business and commercial complex where activities like dining, shopping, biking, running and even boating, among other, can be conducted.
Shoppers and diners alike will also enjoy taking a stroll through Paseo de Santa Rosa’s many outlet stores and restaurants.
A look at the ruins of Santa Rosa’s past provides people an opportunity to experience a bit of the city’s rich history. An example of this is the Bantayan or the Santa Rosa Arch. The original structure was built between 1859 and 1860 and was inspired by the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris.