Pope John Paul II Tower | Bacolod

Information

Landmark: Pope John Paul II Tower
City: Bacolod
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Pope John Paul II Tower, Bacolod, Philippines, Asia

The Pope John Paul II Tower is a seven-story ecclesiastical monument and observation deck located at the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO) port area in Bacolod City. It was built to commemorate the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to the city on February 20, 1981.

Visual Characteristics

The tower is a modern, glass-and-concrete structure featuring a distinctive cross at its peak. The exterior is predominantly white, designed with clean vertical lines. The interior houses a museum on the lower floors, while the upper levels provide a clear, 360-degree view of the Bacolod skyline and the Guimaras Strait.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: BREDCO Port, Reclamation Area, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Access: Situated at the edge of the city’s primary maritime gateway.

Transport: Reachable via "Bata-Libertad" or "Mandalagan-Libertad" jeepneys passing near the reclamation area, or via taxi/tricycle directly to the port.

Operating Hours: Daily 08:00–20:00.

Fees: Admission is approximately PHP 20–50, used for the maintenance of the tower and the foundation’s charitable works.

Historical Significance

The tower stands on the exact site where Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass attended by over a million people during his 1981 Apostolic Visit. It was inaugurated in 2010 to preserve the memory of that event and serves as a pilgrimage site for the Catholic faithful in the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Papal Museum: Displays memorabilia from the 1981 visit, including the Pope's chair, vestments, and photographs.

Observation Deck: Located on the top floor, providing the highest public vantage point in the port area for viewing sunsets over the sea.

Bronze Statue: An 8-foot statue of Pope John Paul II stands at the base of the tower.

Prayer Room: A dedicated quiet space for reflection located within the tower.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes an elevator serving all floors, a small souvenir counter, and restrooms.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are strong.

Safety: The tower is equipped with standard fire exits and security personnel.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon (17:00–18:30) is the optimal time to visit, allowing for a tour of the museum followed by a view of the sunset from the observation deck.

Facts & Legends

A logistical fact is that the tower's construction was funded largely through private donations and the efforts of the Pope John Paul II National Tower Foundation. It is considered a symbol of the city's "City of Smiles" moniker, reflecting the warmth shown to the Pontiff during his visit.