Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

It is the center of the Archdiocese of Cebu City. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was established as a diocese on August 14, 1595, and became the metropolitan archdiocese on April 28, 1934, with its first archbishop, Gabriel M. Reyes. The structure's construction was interrupted due to insufficient funds and other circumstances. The facade features a trefoil-shaped pediment decorated with floral carves.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
A photo of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

The History of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral:

  • This cathedral honors an ancient martyr, Saint Vitalis, whose feast is on April 28.
  • It is believed that the feast day of the Saint coincides with the same day that the Santo Nino de Cebu image was found by one of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi's men 450 years ago.
  • A large part of the cathedral was destroyed during the Second World War, but the facade, walls, and the bell tower built in 1835 remained. In the 1950s, it was rebuilt by Architect Jose Ma. Zaragosa during the time of Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes.

This cathedral has a mausoleum at the back, which was built in 1982. It is the resting place for the remains of Cardinal Rosales (who died three months after inauguration), Archbishop Manuel Salvador (coadjutor archbishop of Cebu), Mariano Gaviola (archbishop of Lipa), and the first Cebuano Bishop Juan Bautista Gorordo. April 28, 2009 - the cathedral underwent a major renovation during the 75th Anniversary of the archdiocese, and then a petition was sent to Benedict XVI, The Pope Emeritus (Pope Benedict XVI at that time). READ: My Solo-Backpacking, A Walking Tour in Cebu City


Other Things You Must Know:

  • Location: 6000 Mabini St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
  • Founded: 1598
  • Architectural style: Spanish Colonial architecture
  • Mass Schedule: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Wedding: Highly Recommended
  • Contact Number: (032) 253 6422