Information about St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

4.6

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Type

Church

High Season

Winter

Family Friendly

Average rating

4.6

Number of reviews

248

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul, also called Vigan Cathedral, is one of the most amazing historic sites in Vigan. It is an old church in Ilocos region on the front of Salcedo Plaza and next to Burgos Plaza.

Juan de Salcedo, the conquistador and founder of Villa Fernandina, now Vigan, founded the first cathedral in Vigan in 1574. The church was made of wood and stalk. Meanwhile, the motifs of the cathedral are neo-gothic and pseudo-roman.

It was restored in 1641 and its current baroque structure was completed in 1800. The bell tower is also here and is approximately 25 meters high with a large bronze to symbolize St. Peter. In 1758, it was established as a cathedral.

How to get there

The cathedral is located at Burgos Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. You can ride a calesa (horse carriage), jeepney, tricycle or walk to the church.

Best time to visit

It is an all-year round destination which means you can visit the church anytime from Monday to Sunday.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral famous?

The cathedral is famous because it had a vital role to the development of Philippine Catholicism in Northern Luzon.

What are the main features of the cathedral?

Many tourists will love its interior as the main altar is fitted with silver panels. The facade includes Chinese decoration and an alcove depicting the conversion of St. Paul, which is located above the main entrance. The style of the Fu dogs, carving over its outskirts, reveals the deep Chinese heritage of Vigan.

What are some of the nearby destinations in the cathedral?

The Episcopal Building, where the Bishop lives, is located near the right of the cathedral. The Rosary Academy is also to the west of this building. Another park in Vigan is Burgos Plaza, a memorial park commemorating Vigan's most noble hero, the martyr of Bagumbayan, Padre José Apolonio Burgos.