Photos

The imposing cathedral is one of the landmarks of the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. It was originally built with hardwood and nipa in 1825. Massive construction of the church began in 1871 under the auspices of Fr. Mauricio Ferrero of the Recolletos with the prisoners of that time as construction workers.

The coral stone church, now covered with a thin layer of cement, is classical in temper. The slender bell towers flanking the façade give an eastern European look to the church. The entrance to the church is through a portico composed of three arches of equal dimensions. Flanking the main door is a statue of the church builder Fr. Ferrero. The church interior is simple and chaste, its pleasing appearance comes about because of the pleasing modulation of arches and pillars rather than ornamentation. This feeling is accentuated by the unadorned gray faux vault, minus the figures painted by Lago.

In the church yard is a bell donated by Fr. Julian Gonzaga which was removed from belfry in 1976 during the centennial celebration of the church.