Information about St. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

St. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

The St. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as Tuguegarao Cathedral, is an 18th-century church situated on Rizal St. in Tuguegarao. It is known as one of the largest cathedrals in the Cagayan Valley region and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

The cathedral dates back to May 1604 when the Dominican friars arrived in Tuguegarao for a mission and built the church's first structure. Years later, the current church's construction was started and was eventually completed in 1768. In 1982, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker within the cathedral to commemorate its history.

The Tuguegarao Cathedral showcases a baroque architectural style, reminiscent of 16th-century Italy, characterized by its theatrical design. The façade is notable for its ornate broken and crested pediment, a feature common among Cagayan churches. The exterior is constructed with bricks, adorned with white columns, and exhibits intricate details. Molded bricks featuring various symbols, such as keys, sun, moon, roosters, Marian symbols, and Dominican Order symbols, can be found both inside and outside the church.

Best time to visit

It's best to visit from the morning to the late afternoon so you can clearly see the exterior and interior of this religious site. The church is open to the public year-round and holds regular masses on Sundays.