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The Temple of Leah is a Roman-style memorial in Barangay Busay, Cebu City, built by Teodorico Adarna for his late wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. Construction began in 2012 and it opened to the public in 2015. In 2026, the entrance fee is about ₱120 on weekdays and ₱150 on weekends (about US$2–2.50 / £1.50–1.85), and it’s open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. It’s about 30–45 minutes by Grab or taxi from the city center (about ₱200–₱350). Go early morning or late afternoon, and combine it with Sirao Garden and Tops Lookout for a half day in the Busay hills.
Temple of Leah at a glance
| Opening hours | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily, including holidays |
| Entrance fee | About ₱120 weekdays · ₱150 weekends (cash) |
| Location | Barangay Busay, about 8 km from Cebu City center |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours; 3–4 hours with Sirao Garden and Tops |
| Best time | 6–9 AM for few crowds; 3–5 PM for golden-hour photos; evenings for city lights |
| Getting there | Grab or taxi, habal-habal from JY Square, or a city tour |
Prefer not to arrange transport? Cebu city and highlands tours usually include the Temple of Leah with hotel pickup.
I was born in Cebu City, and I recently brought my family back to the Temple of Leah; the photos in this guide are from that visit. I know the road up to Busay: the city spreading out below as you climb, and the cooler, greener air up in the hills. When the Temple of Leah opened in 2015, a private monument became one of Cebu’s best-known landmarks. This guide covers the story, what to see, the 2026 entrance fee, how to get there by every kind of transport, and what to combine it with.
The story behind the Temple of Leah
Teodorico Soriano Adarna, a Cebu businessman, began building the temple in 2012, two years after his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna died in 2010. Inspired by ancient Roman and Greek architecture, it has grand columns, marble floors, bronze lions and a golden statue of Leah, set on a hilltop above the city. It opened to the public in 2015 and is still not fully finished; the family’s larger plans include more rooms and galleries.
What the family says about why it was built
In a June 2026 interview, Teodorico’s granddaughter, actress Ellen Adarna, shared the family’s own account: the building began partly as a place to house her grandmother’s large collection of belongings and heirlooms, which the family couldn’t bear to sell. It was designed in grand style as a tribute to Leah, and when visitors started coming to take photos and go on dates, the family opened it as a tourist attraction. (Source: Philstar.com.)
That’s why the rooms inside are filled with Leah’s books, photographs and personal belongings: the temple is both a love letter and a museum of her life. Ellen Adarna doesn’t own it; it’s a family monument under Teodorico’s legacy.
Video tour: the staircase, bronze lions, museum rooms and city views.
What to see at the Temple of Leah
- Bronze lion statues Two huge bronze lions guard the grand staircase, the most photographed spot on site. They’re much bigger in person than in photos.
- Grand staircase and Roman columns The marble staircase and towering columns are a favorite backdrop for prenup and wedding shoots in Cebu.
Step inside and look up: a gold coffered ceiling and rows of crystal chandeliers fill the grand hall. It feels more like a European palace than anything else in Cebu. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. Twin staircases with golden angel rails curve up toward Leah’s statue. Even on a busy afternoon, there’s room to pause and take it in. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. - Statue of Leah A life-size golden statue of Leah stands at the heart of the temple, the most moving stop for many visitors.
Leah’s golden statue sits before a stained-glass window of angels playing music. The brass plaque below is a dedication from Teodorico to his beloved wife and mother of their children. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. The marble steps up to the statue are the most popular photo spot inside. Come early if you want the frame without other visitors. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. - Museum rooms Rooms filled with Leah’s books, letters, photographs and belongings. Most visitors rush past them; don’t.
Portraits of a young Leah line the marble walls. It’s these personal touches, more than the grand architecture, that make the temple feel like a real tribute to one woman’s life. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. - City view terrace One of the best panoramic views of Cebu City, the harbor and Mactan, especially at golden hour and after dark.
The terrace looks out over the green Busay hills, with bronze and marble statues along the balustrade. It’s cooler up here than in the city, so it’s a pleasant place to linger. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. - Gardens and sculptures Angel statues, fountains and carvings around the grounds, quietest in the early morning.
The Three Graces fountain stands in the plaza facing the temple, a favorite spot for family photos with the facade behind. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. Roman-style warrior statues and carved reliefs stand beside the columns. Walk around the outside before you leave; many visitors miss them. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas.
Temple of Leah entrance fee (2026)
| Visitor | Weekday (Mon–Fri) | Weekend (Sat–Sun) | About |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | ₱120 | ₱150 | US$2–2.50 / £1.50–1.85 |
| Child (below 4 feet) | ₱80 | ₱100 | US$1.30–1.65 |
| Senior citizen | ₱80 | ₱100 | US$1.30–1.65 |
| Parking | About ₱50 | US$0.80 | |
| Professional photoshoot | From about ₱2,500 (separate permit) | US$41+ | |
There’s no official published price list, and reported fees vary slightly; these are the most consistent 2026 figures. Pay in cash. Personal photos are included in the entrance fee. Conversions at ₱61 = US$1 and ₱81 = £1.
How to get to the Temple of Leah from Cebu City
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab or taxi | About ₱200–₱350 | 30–45 minutes | Most visitors; ask the driver to wait, since rides down can be hard to find |
| Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) from JY Square, Lahug | About ₱150 one way | About 20 minutes | Solo travelers; a thrilling ride up the hills |
| Jeepney + habal-habal | About ₱30–₱50 + habal-habal | 45–60 minutes | Budget travelers |
| City or highlands tour | About ₱800–₱1,500 per person | Half or full day | Combining Sirao, Tops and city sights with pickup |
Arriving with luggage? Book a Grab straight from the airport. See getting around Cebu City and our car rental guide.
Tips for visiting
- Go on a weekday morning (6–9 AM) for the fewest crowds and soft light; you may have the lion staircase to yourself.
- Avoid weekend afternoons (1–4 PM), when tour groups peak.
- Visit after dark for the lit-up temple and Cebu’s city lights; it’s open until 11 PM.
- Bring cash in pesos; cards aren’t reliably accepted. See money in the Philippines.
- Wear comfortable shoes: lots of marble stairs and terraces. Access is limited for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water; there’s little shade at midday.
- No strict dress code: it’s a private memorial, not a church, but modest clothing is respectful.
Nearby attractions to combine
| Attraction | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Sirao Garden | About 10 minutes | Celosia flower fields, the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu” |
| Tops Lookout | About 15 minutes | 360° view of the city, best at sunset and night |
| Taoist Temple | About 20 minutes | Colorful Chinese temple in Beverly Hills, free entry |
| Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica | About 30–45 minutes | Cebu’s most historic landmarks; see things to do in Cebu |
| Simala Shrine | About 2 hours | Castle-like pilgrimage church in Sibonga |
Suggested Busay highlands half day
| 6:30 AM | Temple of Leah before the crowds |
| 8:30 AM | Sirao Garden flower fields |
| 10:00 AM | Coffee in the Busay hills, then back to the city for lechon lunch; see where to eat lechon |
| Sunset | Return up for Tops Lookout and the city lights |
Planning more days? See our Cebu itinerary, where the Temple of Leah is part of day 1.
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Temple of Leah: FAQ
What is the Temple of Leah in Cebu?
A Roman and Greek-inspired memorial in Barangay Busay, Cebu City, built by Teodorico Adarna for his late wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. Construction began in 2012 and it opened in 2015. It’s often called the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines.”
How much is the Temple of Leah entrance fee in 2026?
About ₱120 for adults on weekdays and ₱150 on weekends. Children below 4 feet and seniors pay about ₱80 on weekdays and ₱100 on weekends, and parking is about ₱50. There’s no official price list, so bring cash.
What are the Temple of Leah opening hours?
It’s open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, including weekends and holidays. Go from 6 to 9 AM for the fewest crowds, or late afternoon for golden-hour photos.
How do I get to the Temple of Leah from Cebu City?
Take a Grab or taxi (about ₱200 to ₱350, 30 to 45 minutes), a habal-habal from JY Square in Lahug (about ₱150), or join a city tour that includes Sirao Garden and Tops Lookout.
Why was the Temple of Leah built?
As a tribute from Teodorico Adarna to his late wife Leah. According to their granddaughter Ellen Adarna, it also began as a place to keep Leah’s large collection of belongings, and opened to tourists after visitors started coming.
Is the Temple of Leah worth visiting?
Yes. The architecture is unlike anything else in the Philippines, the city view is one of Cebu’s best, and the museum rooms give it a personal story. It’s also easy to combine with Sirao Garden and Tops Lookout.
Can you visit the Temple of Leah at night?
Yes. It’s open until 11 PM, and evening visits offer a lit-up temple and views of Cebu City’s lights.
Is Ellen Adarna related to the Temple of Leah?
Yes. The actress is the granddaughter of Teodorico Adarna, who built the temple, and of Leah, for whom it was built. She doesn’t own it; it’s a family monument.
What should I wear to the Temple of Leah?
There’s no strict dress code, since it isn’t a religious site. Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes for the many marble stairs, and bring a hat and water.
What is near the Temple of Leah?
Sirao Garden (about 10 minutes), Tops Lookout (about 15 minutes) and the Taoist Temple (about 20 minutes). Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño are about 30 to 45 minutes away downtown.
Born in Cebu City and raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, Gio has visited the Temple of Leah since it opened. He now lives in Zamboanga del Sur and writes Best Philippines Travel Guide for travelers who want more than a list of opening hours.