Piat is known throughout the Philippines because of its Lady of Piat (Nuestra Seņora de Visitacion). Pilgrims and land tourists from all walks of life pay homage in her shrine in Piat. In the "Historia de Nuestra Seņora de Piat", Father J. Malumbres tells us that the image of our Lady of Piat was brought from Macao, a colony of Portugal in China.

The year 1600 saw the massacre of Spanish settlers who made the mistake of abusing the impartial friendship offered them by the Kalingas and Negritos. This incident made the Spaniards realize the danger of coming back to live in Piat. It was only in 1604 that an intrepid missionary succeeded in pacifying the belligerent Piateņos. With these, the Spaniards returned to the town. The only resentment of the natives after the said incident was when the authorities compelled them to wear hats, shoes and formal dresses during holidays.

The Spaniards had left when the Americans came led by Captain William Hawkins. Except for the almacinero (warehouseman) and two Spanish priests. Hawkins and his men were proffered a cordial welcome by Gobernadorcillo Vicente Oņate. They occupied Piat for a year only, after which Hawkins married Seņorita Esperanza Gannaban.

Historical landmarks in Piat are the following; brick watchtower (for fear of invaders a sentinel used to stay on guard there), concrete bridge bordering the Centro and Maguilling was constructed in 1911, the "Gabaldon" school building was built in 1922, and many others.