The Jaro Belfry (Campanario de Jaro) is a free-standing bell tower across the plaza from the Jaro Cathedral, the two together forming one of the most distinctive colonial-era religious ensembles in the Philippines. Built in the late 18th century from coral stone blocks, the belfry has survived multiple earthquakes that destroyed other elements of the original complex, making it the oldest surviving structure in the district.
The tower is accessible for climbing on certain days, giving views over the Jaro district and the city beyond. Even from the plaza below, the scale and construction quality of the coral stone masonry is impressive — the walls are approximately a metre thick at the base. The surrounding Jaro district retains a number of old Spanish-era commercial buildings and heritage houses, making the belfry and cathedral a good starting point for a walking tour of the neighbourhood.