CHURCHES

Laoag

Laoag CathedralOriginally a wooden chapel built in sometime in 1580. The present Italian Renaissance-designed Church was built between 1650 and 1700. The Cathedral, which suffered damage by hurricane, earthquake, and fire, has been restored many times. It was occupied by Filipino revolutionaries in 1898 and by the US forces in 1899. The Cathedral's main altar has the Agustinian symbol of a transfixed heart and tasseled hat. On the left is its sinking bell tower.

Vigan

The first Vigan Cathedral was ordered built in 1574 by Juan de Salcedo. Another version of the church was again constructed in 1641. The persent baroque-style building was completed in 1800. The Cathedral has a main altar with beaten-silver panels. Its bell tower stands separately in Plaza Burgos. The Fu dogs design carved above its outermost doors is testament to Vigan's strong Chinese heritage.


Baguio City

The Cathedral

Baguio City suffered heavy bombing and shelling during its liberation in 1945. The Cathedral sheltered 5,000 people for two months. Its grounds contain the graves of bombing victims.

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