Tagbilaran is the provincial capital of Bohol in the Philippines. While there are not many outright attractions in town, this is an important transportation gateway with onward links to regional sites.
Even before the arrival of the Spanish, this was an important outpost for the indigenous people who had trade links to Malaysia, China and Indonesia. Jesuits began building a community in the 16th century and laid the foundations for the colonial architecture that is still visible today.
The most prominent site in the city is the Blood Compact Marker, set up to honor an early pact between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Bohol’s Rajah Sikatuna in the mid-16th century. Other sites that may be of interest to tourists include the capitol building and cathedral.
Getting There & Away
Tagbilaran is the main point of entry for visitors to Bohol. There is a small airport with regular service to Manila (1 hour, 30 minutes). Another option is to take a ferry to Cebu with similar travel time. Once on the ground at Tagbilaran, visitors can arrange land and sea links to sites around Bohol.
Things to Do
Tagbilaran Attractions
- Blood Compact Marker
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This monument commemorates the historic blood compact (or sandugo) between spanish colonizers and the indigenous population.
- Cathedral of St Joseph
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This baroque structure has been rebuilt several times since its foundation in the early 1600s.
- Capitol Building
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The provincial capitol is a typical spanish colonial structure fronted by grand arcs and columns.
Events
- Feast of St Joseph
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This annual event is held at the local cathedral on may 1st.