Strategically located in the center of the Old Albay District in Legazpi City, the Peñaranda Park is one of the largest recreational places found in Albay.
Also known as Freedom Park, the Peñaranda Park is a plaza devoted to the first Governor of Albay, Jose Ma. Peñaranda, who served from 1834-1840. Developed based on Spanish style, it is placed nearby a wide variety of establishments.
The Legazpi City Hall and Provincial Capitol are among the administrative institutions found in the area of Peñaranda Park. The Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great can be found on the west while the Divine Word College of Legazpi can be found on the east.
Gov Jose M. Penaranda
Convention facilities such as the Albay Astrodome and Tourist Information Office can be found on the north while fastfoods and some of the city’s finest restaurants are a couple of hundred meters going east, along the busy Rizal Avenue – Quick ‘N Hearty, La Mia Tazza, Small Talk, Chilli Pepper’s, Biggs, and Jolibee, to name a few.
On one side of the park is a big stage where crowd-gathering events such as concerts, festivals, rallies and meetings takes place occasionally. A statue of Govenor Jose Ma. Peñaranda can be found in the area near the Albay Provincial Capitol. The monument was finished by J.B. Caedo on April 28, 2002. On the side of the statue is a small cannon and meters away is the historic Liberty Bell, a donation from the United States of America commemorating the freedom of the city from the control of Japanese domination at the end of the World War II.
The 5000 square meters Peñaranda Park serves as playground to elementary and high-school students after school. It’s also a dating place for lovers and a picnic area for families. There’s a great view of Mt. Mayon on a clear day in the open area of the park. Recent developments include landscaping, fountains, lights and ornamental plants which surround the park to give strollers a better ambiance and sense of peace when they are in the place.
The Peñaranda Park is a short 8-10 minutes tricycle ride (P10-P15) from Legazpi Airport and 20-minute jeepney (P8) ride from Legazpi Port. The best time to visit the place are early morning, late afternoon and evening.
Albay Astrodome
Albay Provincial Capitol
Gov Penaranda and Cannon
Legazpi City Hall
Legazpi Liberty Bell
Mark, Lisa and Sam at Penaranda Park
Open Area
Penaranda Park and City Hall from afar
Stage
Stairs
Statue, Cannon Flag Pole, Liberty Bell
Students playing at the Liberty bell after class
View of Mt. Mayon
Going to the Open Area
This page is last updated on
About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
