Cebu has many things to offer to its guests particularly its world-class beaches, entertainment and good food. But the Queen City of the South is also home to old churches with its Basilica de Sto. Niño as the most visited place but just a short walk is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Cathedral is less crowded and chaotic ( during feast days and Sundays) compared to the Basilica del Sto. Niño and I love hearing mass this in cathedral when I had the chance.
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu and was built way back in early 19th century. The plan to build a cathedral in a newly “conquered” city by the Spaniards happened way back in the 17th century. And like the rest of old churches in the country, the cathedral witnessed many natural and man-made mishaps like fires and world wars. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was reconstructed in the 50s, just after the war.
At present, the cathedral is wearing a new face with recent renovations specifically its interior. If you have visited the cathedral many years ago, you will notice its new look by looking at it from the outside. I used to see the cathedral with its usual Spanish- era coral-made church but during my last visit, from afar it seems that it is made of cement. The interior of the Cebu Metropolitan Church also made some changes like some additions to its altar, restored pipe organ and lighting of the big chandelier.
Whether old looking or modern, I still consider the cathedral as a must-see in Cebu. Like other churches and landmarks in Cebu, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is a bearer of Cebu’s rich history, heritage and culture created for many centuries.
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