Dumaguete Cathedral

18th-century Spanish colonial cathedral on the central plaza

The Cathedral Parish of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is Dumaguete's main Catholic church, standing on the central plaza in the heart of the old town. The present building dates from the 19th century, though there has been a church on this site since the early Spanish colonial period. The Baroque-influenced facade and the detached bell tower that stands beside it are among the most photographed landmarks in the city.

The interior is well-preserved and worth a visit. The church faces the Quezon Park — the city's central square — making the area around it the social and commercial heart of Dumaguete. Mass is held several times daily; the evening mass draws a large congregation.

things to do sight
A story
The bell tower of the Dumaguete Cathedral is older than the main church building — it dates from the early 18th century and was used partly as a watchtower and refuge during pirate raids on the coast. The Moro raids on Visayan coastal settlements were a persistent threat for centuries, and nearly every significant Spanish-era church in the Philippines has a fortified tower that tells the same story.

Other places in Things to Do