Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral — Attraction in Cebu City

Ciudad del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, or the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, P. Zamora Street, Cebu City, Philippines The Cebu Cathedral is younger than the Diocese of Cebu ( created in 1595 ), as the first church, from 1595, was one of wood, bamboo and thatch. Although stone walls were added, it was in a sorry state according to a 1667 report of Bishop. Juan Lopez to the King of Spain. After many false starts to build a more worthy church for the Catholic Bishop, the Spanish military engineer Juan de Ciscara was commissioned in 1719 to design the cathedral. He opted for a cruciform design with short transepts. He placed the altar mayor at the crossing, reserved the apse for the altar de pardon, and placed the choir stalls for the cathedral canon in the nave. Work on the construction was suspended when funds were diverted to military campaigns against slave raiders. Construction began in 1734, was interrupted four years later, resumed in 1741 under Bishop. Protasio Cabezas. The facade was completed in 1786 and in 1811 the cathedral was blessed. The completed cathedral departed from Ciscara’s plans. It was renovated in 1829, 1836 when Bishop. Santos Maranon, who designed other churches in Cebu, designed and built the bell tower. The cathedral was improved in 1886, during the incumbency of Bishop Gorordo, and in 1939. Damaged during World War II, architect Jose Zaragosa rebuilt the cathedral in 1959. The cathedral’s interior was renovated more recently. Because of damage caused by World War II and the recent renovation, nothing of the historical interior remains, however, the exterior remains 18th century. The 21 meter high facade is capped by a pediment shaped like a trefoil. The monogram IHS decorates the upper register pediment while small circular openings decorate the lower part. A pair of griffins and bas-relief floral designs fill the pediment. The two story facade is divided vertically by paired columns on a tall plinth and the cornice over the main door is broken and emblazoned with a coat of arms in low relief. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the ecclesiastical seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu in Cebu, Philippines. Cebu was established as a diocese on August 14, 1595. It was elevated as a metropolitan archdiocese on April 28, 1934 with the dioceses of Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran, and Talibon as suffragans. Construction of the cathedral took many years due to frequent interruptions, brought about by lack of funds and other unexpected events. At one time, funds meant for the building of the cathedral were diverted to the Moro wars. The death of an incumbent bishop who spearheaded the construction/reconstruction and vacancies in the office were also factors. The architecture of the church is typical of Spanish colonial churches in the country, namely, squat and with thick walls to withstand typhoons and other natural calamities. The facade features a trefoil-shaped pediment, which is decorated with carved relieves of floral motifs, an IHS inscription and a pair of griffins. The Spanish Royal Coat of Arms is emblazoned in low relief above the main entrance, reflecting perhaps the contribution of the Spanish monarch to its construction. During World War II, much of the cathedral was destroyed by Allied bombings of the city. Only the belfry (built in 1835), the facade, and the walls remained. It was quickly rebuilt in the 1950's under the supervision of architect Jose Ma. Zaragosa, during the incumbency of Archbishop...

I had the opportunity to visit the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral during my recent trip to the Philippines, and I must say it was a breathtaking experience.

Upon arriving at the cathedral, I was immediately struck by its majestic facade. The towering twin spires and intricate designs of the exterior were a sight to behold. It truly reflected the rich history and heritage of the city of Cebu.

As I entered the cathedral, I was welcomed by the soothing sounds of the choir and the peaceful atmosphere inside. The interior was just as stunning as the exterior, with high ceilings, grand pillars, and beautiful stained glass windows. I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility and awe.

One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing a mass being held. The service was conducted in both English and Tagalog, making it accessible to all worshippers. I was moved by the strong sense of community and devotion from the locals. It was a powerful and unforgettable experience.

After the mass, I took some time to explore the cathedral and its surroundings. I was amazed by the attention to detail in every corner, from the intricate decorations to the well-preserved artifacts. The cathedral also has a museum that showcases the history of Cebu and the role the cathedral played in it, which I found to be very informative and interesting.

Visiting the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was not only a spiritual experience but also a cultural one. It was a beautiful representation of the fusion between Spanish and Filipino influences. I could see why it is considered to be one of the most significant landmarks in Cebu.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to anyone traveling to the Philippines. Whether you are religious or not, the beauty, history, and cultural significance of this cathedral make it a must-see destination. It truly is a gem of Cebu and a testament to the strong faith...

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the best Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Cebu. It is one of the jubilee churches for the 500 years celebration of Christianity in the Philippines. The plenary indulgence that can be obtained thru the visit of this church is extended until December 2022. It is a very serene place within the city. Every person who visits this place can have a special experience of the presence of God since I believe that holy Christians of olden Cebu used to stay or celebrate mass in this Cathedral. I am very much convinced that Saintly people used to gather in this Cathedral and activities like Ordination to the priesthood and other Sacraments are solemnly celebrated in this Cathedral. If you want to experience the immensity of God's love for the Church, try to visit this place and you can witness yourself. Please try to be in the state of grace and with holy intention and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father to avail of the...