A Little Visit to the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan

Dapitan City, located in the Zamboanga del Norte region of the Philippines, is a place rich in history and natural beauty. You might know "Dapitan" as a street in Manila, but this city holds a special place in the heart of Philippine history. It is where the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, spent four years in exile.

The Shrine City of the Philippines

Though not one of the Philippines' top tourist spots, Dapitan City is known as "The Shrine City of the Philippines" for its historical significance. One of its main attractions is the Rizal Shrine, dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal. This shrine is part of the José Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape, a national park that spans 16 hectares in Barangay Talisay. This land was purchased by Rizal on July 17, 1892, during his exile.

Highlights of the Rizal Shrine

The Rizal Shrine is a serene park filled with century-old trees and replicas of structures used by Rizal. It's a peaceful place perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Here are some key features:

• Mi Retiro Rock: Also known as "My Retreat Rock," this heart-shaped rock in a pond is where Rizal wrote lines from his poem "Mi Retiro." He often watched sunsets from this spot.

• Casa Cuadrada: Rizal's home, reconstructed with original materials.

• Aqueduct: A bamboo water system built by Rizal in 1895 to supply water for farming.

• Casa Redonda: An octagonal building used as a dormitory and later a clinic.

• Casa Redonda Pequena: A hexagonal structure used as a chicken house.

• Casitas de Salud: Initially tea houses, later turned into a health clinic.

• Rizaliana: A modern building displaying Rizal's books, writings, and periodicals, also housing the curator's office.

• Casa Residencia: The house where Rizal lived, featuring a bedroom, veranda, and main room connected by a bridge.

Visiting the Rizal Shrine offers a deep insight into Rizal's patriotism and contributions to the Philippines.

Visiting the Shrine

Entrance to the Rizal Shrine is free. Visitors are encouraged to help maintain the park's cleanliness by using designated garbage bins.

Getting There

The Rizal Shrine is about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Dipolog Airport. It can be reached via the Dipolog–Oroquieta National Road and Jose Rizal Avenue in Dapitan. This road also leads to the nearby Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Taguilon.

Experience the history and beauty of Dapitan City, and gain a greater appreciation for the life and legacy of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.