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Piat is a town of Cagayan province in the Philippines. It is the pilgrimage center of the province, hosting a venerated image of the Virgin Mary dating from the 17th century.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Piat was established by the Spanish in the early 17th century along the Chico River. It is part of the Itawis-speaking region of southwestern Cagayan.
Piat is primarily an agricultural town, with additional income coming from Roman Catholic pilgrims who visit the town's Basilica Minore, hosting the venerated Marian image of Our Lady of the Visitation of Piat.
It is home to about 25,000 people (census, 1 July 2024) 
Get in
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Piat is along the Cagayan-Apayao Highway from Tuguegarao, and there are passenger vans going there from the latter city, although this entails waiting for an indefinite period for the vehicle to fill up. As the highway bypasses downtown Piat, motorists take a junction in Barangay Maguilling, where the highway turns left on its way to the neighboring municipality of Tuao.
Five Star operates a nightly bus service to Piat that departs from Cubao station in Metro Manila every 9PM. The return journey leaves Piat at 3PM. Commuters taking the Victory Liner and GV Florida buses that run to neighboring Tuao can also disembark at Maguilling Junction. Most travelers instead switch vehicles in Tuguegarao, where there are more frequent services.
- 1 Five Star Terminal, Poblacion II (in front of Piat New Market).
- 2 Piat Van Terminal, Municipal Road, Baung.
Get around
[edit | edit source]Tricycles are the main form of transportation within town. As the town center sits on a plateau on a road terminus, it is easy to get lost along the winding streets heading to locations beside the Basilica.
See
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- 1 Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat, Our Lady of Piat Avenue, Poblacion I (a one-way traffic scheme is in force when visiting; when entering the town center, don't turn left immediately at the junction leading to Our Lady of Piat Avenue and the Basilica as it is only for departing vehicles; instead, follow the main road then turn left at Our Lady of Piat High School towards Our Lady of Piat Avenue leading to the Basilica), shrineolop@gmail.com. Mon-Sat 6AM-8PM, Sun 5AM-8PM. The main landmark and destination in Piat, it was established by the Spanish on a hilltop in the early 17th century, but has been drastically altered, rebuilt and expanded over the centuries to accommodate the increasing throng of pilgrims seeking blessings from the Our Lady of the Visitation of Piat, a 17th-century darkwood sculpture of the Virgin Mary that was imported from Macau and is believed to be miraculous. The present structure, which dates from the 2020s, is Romanesque-inspired and features a red-brick façade and white plaster. The church celebrates its feast day on July 2.
- 2 Black Water Lagoon, Poblacion II. More of a brackish pond than an actual lagoon, it forms the nucleus of the People's Integrated Agri-Tourism Center, which serves as the town's municipal park.
- 3 Cross in the Sky, Poblacion II (inside People’s Integrated Agritourism Center). A 16 metres (52 ft) built on top of Black Hill. It is accessible following a 50 metres (160 ft) climb and offers panoramic views of the town, including the Basilica.
- 4 Piat Hill Viewpont, Poblacion II (inside People’s Integrated Agritourism Center). A Hollywood-inspired sign spelling the town's name, built on top of a hill with panoramic views over the town center.
Do
[edit | edit source]Buy
[edit | edit source]The area around Piat Basilica is packed with makeshift stalls and traders selling all kinds of products and souvenirs including religious items. The basilica also operates its own souvenir stores.
Eat
[edit | edit source]A local delicacy commonly sold around the Basilica is pawa, a glutinous rice cake bun filled with ground peanuts.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]Most standard accommodation is in Tuguegarao.
- 1 Piat Pilgrim's Inn, Our Lady of Piat Avenue, Poblacion I. A small dormitory-like accommodation.
Connect
[edit | edit source]The town's postal code is 3527.