Pam Baroro
Most Beautiful Churches in Cebu
Planning to visit the Beautiful Churches Around Cebu? Cebu is home to many beautiful natural wonders but another thing that a lot of people often overlook are its beautiful churches.
The island was the first place in the entire country where the Spaniards landed in and where people were first baptized into Catholicism. It wouldn’t be surprising why the province is covered with numerous heritage churches that will not only strengthen your faith but also satisfy the history buff in you.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu City
The Santo Niño Church is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country. The location of the church is said to be where the image of the Child Jesus, which was gifted by Magellan to the newly baptized Queen Juana, was discovered. The one currently on display is a replica while the original one is kept at the parish convent. The church was built in 1565.
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Carcar
Also known as the Carcar Church, it is the second oldest in the country, built in 1859. It has bell towers that come in a similar shape to those of Muslim mosques. This structure also boasts of a Greco-Roman altar and statues of the 12 apostles all in white, except for Judas who is in black.
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu City
Another very popular church in the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the Santo Niño Church is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. It is the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Metropolitan Cebu and has Saint Vitalis as its patron saint.
The National Shrine of St. Joseph, Mandaue City
According to the history books, this popular Mandaue City church was attributed to the Jesuits back in 1789 although it was the Augustinians who ministered the Mandauehanons before 1599. An earthquake destroyed the historic church in 1922 and the reconstruction was only completed in 1936.
Boljoon Church
As if the wooden ceilings and tiled roofs are not interesting enough, the Boljoon Church also boasts of a well-preserved convent. Behind the belfry is a stone arch that has death holding an hourglass and a staff.
Oslob Church
This picturesque church in Oslob has suffered — and survived — fire damages including one during the Japanese occupation in 1942 and yet still stands strong to this day.
Simala Church
Among the most well-known of the new churches in the province is the Simala Church, which looks like a huge castle. Officially called the Shrine of the Miraculous Mama Mary, it was built mostly through the donations of loyal pilgrims.
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Also read: One Central Hotel: The Newest Hotel Destination in Downtown Cebu
