Tayabas, Quezon

Malagonlong Bridge

Exploring Magnificent Heritage of Tayabas, Quezon

PUBLISHED May 1, 2017

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Explore the rich history of the Malagonlong Bridge in Quezon, Philippines, designated a National Cultural Treasure. Constructed during the Spanish colonial era, this impressive stone-arched bridge symbolizes resilience, standing strong for centuries. Today, it’s a popular tourist spot, offering a glimpse into the unique past of Tayabas City.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Malagonlong Bridge with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Malagonlong Bridge. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

The Malagonlong Bridge, also known as Puente de Malagonlong, holds a significant place in Filipino history, especially for the proud residents of Quezon. It is considered one of the province’s most vital heritage sites.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

According to the historical marker from the National Historical Institute, Malagonlong stands out as the longest bridge constructed during the Spanish colonial era, using approximately 100,000 adobe blocks. With an impressive length of 445 feet (136 meters), it was designated a National Cultural Treasure under the Historic Bridges of Tayabas on August 12, 2011.

Located in Tayabas City, Quezon Province, the stone-arched Malagonlong Bridge is one of the eleven stone masonry bridges in Tayabas City that bear witness to the country’s unique history. Crossing the serene waters of the Tayabas River, this ancient bridge symbolizes courage and resilience, enduring natural disasters and wars that have shaken the Philippines’ soil. Despite its fragility, the bridge remains standing strong, centuries after its construction.

Spanning the Dumaca River, the bridge connects Barangay Mateuna and Lakawan to Tayabas on its eastern side. Constructed under the guidance of the “Ministro del Pueblo,” Fray Antonio Mateos, a Franciscan priest, between 1840 to 1850, the bridge was built by the people of Tayabas through forced labor, also known as “Polo” labor. An inscription on the bridge commemorates its inauguration in 1850 under the term of Gobernadorcillo Don Julian S. Francisco.

While it no longer serves as a route for vehicles today, the historical bridge has evolved into a tourist attraction and a popular spot for photography. Over recent years, it has gained popularity among bikers and travelers alike.

Undoubtedly, it offers a delightful sight. Locals can be seen washing their clothes in the river, and some adventurous kids might even take a dip in the refreshing water flowing from Mt. Banahaw through the river.

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LOCATIONS PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE HERITAGE

CHURCHES FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

LOCATIONS
PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE

CHURCHES
FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS