Baguio City, Philippines

Baguio Cathedral

A Century of Faith and Community in the City of Pines

PUBLISHED December 25, 2005

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Visiting Baguio Cathedral is like stepping into a living chronicle of faith and resilience. From the first missionary chapel in 1907 to the completed cathedral in 1936, its rose-colored façade and twin spires stand as witnesses to the city’s growth, wartime trials, and community spirit. Walking the steps past the calvary, observing the stained glass catching the morning light, or standing in the courtyard where generations gathered, I felt the cathedral’s role not just as a house of worship, but as a steadfast part of Baguio’s cultural and civic life.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Baguio Cathedral with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Baguio Cathedral. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

First Steps of Faith in Baguio

The story of Baguio Cathedral begins in the early 20th century when Catholic missionaries first reached the newly established city of Baguio. In 1907, Belgian priests from the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) set up a modest mission chapel dedicated to St. Patrick, serving as the first organized Catholic foothold in the area. The hill on which it stood was originally called Kampo by the local Ibaloi indigenous group. As the congregation grew, the need for a larger, permanent church became evident. Under Fr. Florimond Carlu, CICM, plans were drawn for a more substantial structure that would eventually become the cathedral.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

ABOVE: The Baguio Cathedral serves as both a sacred place of worship and a remarkable symbol of Baguio City’s rich history and cultural heritage. It continues to captivate locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful sanctuary and an opportunity to experience the city’s timeless beauty.

Building the Heart of the City

Construction of the cathedral began in 1920 under Fr. Carlu, who guided local laborers and fellow CICM priests through the lengthy building process. After years of careful work, the cathedral was consecrated on July 9, 1936, formally dedicating it to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of the Atonement, a devotion symbolizing reconciliation and mercy. Its completion coincided with Baguio’s growth as an American colonial hill station, reinforcing the cathedral’s presence as a cultural and civic landmark in northern Luzon.

Architectural Grace and Presence

The cathedral reflects early 20th-century ecclesiastical design, blending Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic influences. Romanesque arches define its doors and windows, while stained glass and verticality reflect Gothic sensibilities. The twin square belfries with pyramidal roofs dominate the façade, and a large rose window graces the front, adapting European design to the Philippine tropical context. Situated atop a hill in downtown Baguio, it is accessed from Session Road via a long stone staircase passing a calvary, or by a road through the Saint Louis University campus. Its brick and concrete structure provided both stature and resilience.

ABOVE: This captivating space reflects its enduring purpose as a sanctuary for the growing community of worshippers and visitors in Baguio City, making it a must-see destination for those seeking serenity and architectural elegance.

A Sanctuary Through War

During World War II, the cathedral served as an evacuation center, sheltering civilians amid the Japanese occupation. When American forces launched the liberation in early 1945, Baguio endured heavy carpet-bombing, devastating much of the city. Remarkably, the cathedral remained standing, while surrounding areas were destroyed. Many civilians had sought refuge on its grounds, and the remains of hundreds who perished nearby are interred within the cathedral’s grounds, giving it a solemn role as both a house of worship and a memorial to wartime suffering.

ABOVE: Baguio Cathedral, or Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, is a well-known landmark in Baguio City, famous for its twin spires, rose-colored façade, and beautiful views of the city.

Resilience and Renewal

After the war, Baguio Cathedral resumed its central role in the city’s religious and community life. In 1932, Baguio became the seat of an apostolic prefecture, affirming the cathedral’s regional significance. Postwar repairs and restoration ensured its continued presence, and the 1990 Luzon earthquake prompted stabilization of the right bell tower through cement infilling. Through these decades, its rose-colored façade and elevated location kept the cathedral an unmistakable visual landmark.

Faith and Community in Times of Change

The cathedral’s significance extends beyond worship. During the 1986 People Power Revolution, its courtyard became a gathering place for local activists and residents. Elevated above Session Road, it provided a safe base for peaceful demonstrations, symbolizing the church’s enduring role as a spiritual and civic refuge.

Baguio Cathedral Today

By the early 2000s, Baguio Cathedral had firmly established itself as a centerpiece of Catholic worship in northern Luzon, a symbol of resilience through war and natural disaster, and a community landmark active in both religious and civic life. With Baguio’s elevation to a diocese in 2004, the cathedral served as its principal church, embodying the city’s historical layers — from early missionary roots to wartime trials and sociopolitical engagement, reflecting the broader Philippine narrative of faith, conflict, and community identity.

Dulche Chocolates: From Highland Cocoa Farms to Your Travel Treats

If you are planning a trip to the highlands of the Philippines, particularly around Baguio or Benguet, a visit to Dulche Chocolates offers a uniquely

First Steps of Faith in Baguio

Building the Heart of the City

Architectural Grace and Presence

A Sanctuary Through War

Resilience and Renewal

Faith and Community in Times of Change

Baguio Cathedral Today

LOCATIONS PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE HERITAGE

CHURCHES FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

LOCATIONS
PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE

CHURCHES
FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS