Founded in 1793, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary is one of the oldest schools for priesthood in the country today. The seminary has produced numerous church and lay leaders and is the Alma Mater of a number of Bikol Patriots and heroes.
Right inside the seminary is a museum, that houses priceless collections like the vestments used by the bishops of the Diocese of Nueva Caceres. There are Ming Vases, burial jars, old books and stuffs used during masses. The items are all well-kept and preserved. Because of its beauty and its significance in the local history of Naga, the National Historical Institute has inscribed the centuries-old Holy Rosary Minor Seminary as a National Historical Landmark.
Holy Rosary Minor Seminary underwent repairs and improvements in the past but somehow it has retained its distinct colonial style and Spanish period ambiance. Evoking wisps of nostalgia is its age-old building with its arcaded facade, visual bands of cornices and pilasters, its stream of French windows and balconies of delicately wrought iron grilles. The first story has floors and walls paved with plain and brightly colored tiles, while its arcaded corridors often glimpse of its quiet garden-soothing areas for peace and contemplation. Winding up to the upper floor is its balustrade staircase paved in black and white checkerboard pattern. Its second story was built of Philippine hard wood as seen in its flooring, beams and trusses. Its roof of galvanized iron sheet was once a bright cap of red tiles which was the style of the period. At the first floor are the visitors’ area, offices, classrooms, refectory, main kitchen, the recreation hall, and the auditorium. At the upper floor are the chapel, study hall, dormitories, and the rooms of the priests, the spirituality room, and the library.
