Information about Tuguegarao Cathedral

Tuguegarao Cathedral

Cagayan is notable for its centuries-old brick churches. The Tuguegarao Cathedral, also known as St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral, is a well-known landmark in the province. Moreover, it's considered as the largest Spanish-built church in the whole Cagayan Valley Region. 

The picture of the cathedral is displayed at Rome Basilica and is deemed one of the most beautiful works of art in the Philippines. 

Location

Tuguegarao's famous cathedral is located along Rizal Street in Barangay Centro 10, Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The church is accessible to tourists, and there are nearby room accommodations as it is in the middle of the city. 

History 

The 18-century Baroque church is a historic landmark that was originally built by Dominican friars. Its construction started in 1761 and concluded in 1767. The cathedral is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. 

Father Tomas Villa, the cathedral's first vicar, assigned Saint Peter and Saint Paul as patron saints. The church that stands today is credited to Father Antonio Locato, O.P., as he initiated its construction. The National Historical Institute, a precursor of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, installed a brief historical marker in 1982. 

During World War II, the church suffered massive damage and was rebuilt by Monsignor Bishop Constance Jurgens. 

Architecture

Tuguegarao Cathedral's architecture is typical of churches built in the 18th century. It is notable for its broken and crested pediments. This is a pronounced feature in other churches in the Cagayan Valley. Tuguegarao Cathedral's façade is made of red bricks showcased with white columns. 

The molded bricks in the cathedral feature an array of symbols, like roosters, gods, keys, papal tiaras, gods, sun, moon, Marian symbols, and symbols of the Dominican order. High relief pilasters with alternating smooth and Solomonic design appears in the design of the cathedral.

The restoration of the church included the rehabilitation of ashen bricks. Additionally, the cathedral has a magnificent five-story bell tower.