If you happen to be in Baguio for a vacation spree, add Baguio Cathedral to your itinerary of the best places you need to visit. This impressive old church is situated on top of a hill in the city’s center, with a great view of Session Road and the city backdrop.
It is also one of the numerous typical attractions here in Baguio, and it is very near SM which makes it very accessible to locals or even tourists.
It’s very easy to go to the church; from Session Road, visitors can walk to the up-rise long stairways of more than a hundred steps which is a bit of a challenge but worth the effort.
People who are not in the mood for an obstacle or a climbing session can access the Cathedral with their cars via roads behind the Post Office building. Another way to get there is by using the escalators at Porta Vaga Shopping Mall and then proceeding to the exit at the top floor that will lead to the Baguio Cathedral parking grounds.
Its aesthetic rosy-colored building is differentiated from other churches in the Philippines through its matching pyramidal top roof. Some say that Baguio Cathedral is among the country’s most picturesque architectural structures elaborately decorated from glass windows up to the ceiling.
The massive Baguio Cathedral can accommodate approximately 850 worshippers, but it’s always crowded on Sunday, so be sure to come early to get a nice spot near the altar. The parking can be used by people attending the mass for free, but some tourists are being abusive, they park their cars in the church for long hours so now if you leave your car for more than one hour, you are required to pay a certain fee.
History
The Baguio Cathedral, also known as the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Baguio, Philippines. The Cathedral is the see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baguio. Architect Antonio Toledo and construction designed the Cathedral began in 1926. The Cathedral was consecrated on December 8, 1940.
The Cathedral is made of reinforced concrete and features a mix of Spanish and Gothic Revival style architecture. The Cathedral’s main facade features a large central rose window and two smaller side windows.
The Cathedral’s bell tower stands 108 meters high and is the second tallest in the Philippines. The Cathedral can accommodate up to 3,000 worshipers. The Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction in Baguio and is often featured in postcards and travel brochures.
