Churches & Temples

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Cebu City, Cebu

About Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral stands on the site of one of the first churches built in the Philippines, a chapel dedicated to St. Vitalis raised in 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and the Augustinian friars Andres de Urdaneta and Diego de Herrera. Cebu was established as a diocese in 1595, the oldest in the country, and the church was elevated to the seat of a metropolitan archdiocese in 1934. The present neoclassical structure replaced several earlier buildings destroyed over the centuries. Inside, the cathedral holds the tomb of Bishop Juan Gorordo, the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, along with religious artwork and a high altar typical of Spanish-colonial ecclesiastical design. Its white facade and bell tower face Mabini Street, a short walk from Colon Street and Magellan's Cross. The cathedral holds Masses throughout the day and functions as an active parish rather than a museum, so visitors should be mindful of ongoing services. It remains the seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu, which oversees a wide Catholic community across the Visayas.

Highlights

Seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu Neoclassical facade and bell tower Site of one of the first Philippine churches (1565) Active parish with daily Masses Steps from Magellan's Cross and Colon Street Easy stop on a downtown heritage walk

Tips for Visitors

1 Dress modestly and keep voices low, as this is an active place of worship. Avoid visiting during Mass if you only want to sightsee. Combine with a walk to Magellan's Cross and Casa Gorordo Museum, both nearby.

How to Get There

From anywhere in Cebu City, take a jeepney, taxi, or Grab to the downtown Colon/Mabini Street area; the cathedral is a 10-15 minute ride from Ayala Center or SM City Cebu and a short walk from Magellan's Cross.