Baguio Cathedral

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral
Basic information
Location Baguio City, Philippines
Geographic coordinates 16°24′45″N 120°35′54″E / 16.4125, 120.59833Coordinates: 16°24′45″N 120°35′54″E / 16.4125, 120.59833
Religious affiliation Roman Catholic
Year consecrated 1936
Ecclesiastical status Cathedral
Functional status active
Architectural description
Groundbreaking 1920
Year completed 1936
Specifications

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, better known as Baguio Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral located at Cathedral Loop, adjacent to Session Road in Baguio City in the Philippines. The largest Catholic church building in Baguio City, it is distinct for its rose-colored exterior and is one of the most photographed buildings in Baguio City.[1] It served as an evacuation center during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II.

Contents

[edit] History

The site where the cathedral currently stands was a hill referred to as "Kampo" by the Ibaloi people. In 1907, a Catholic mission was established by Belgian missionaries from the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae, who named the site Mount Mary.

Construction on the cathedral itself was began in 1920, under the leadership of the then-parish priest, Fr. Florimono Carlu. The building was completed by 1936, and consecrated that year, dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement.

During World War II, the cathedral served as an evacuation center. It withstood the carpet-bombing of Baguio City in 1945. The remains of thousands of bombing victims during the war are interred within the grounds of the cathedral.[2]

[edit] Features

The cathedral has a distinct pink facade with a rose window and twin square bell towers with pyramidal roofs.[2] Within its large courtyard is a view deck that overlooks Session Road and the downtown commercial district of Baguio City. The cathedral is accessible to pedestrians from Session Road through a 100-step stone staircase, or through the adjacent campus of Saint Louis University.[3]

[edit] See also

[edit] Gallery

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Baguio Catholic Cathedral. Landmarks and Scenic Sites: The City of Baguio. Retrieved on 2008-04-19.
  2. ^ a b Layug, p. 76
  3. ^ Layug, p. 77

[edit] References

  • Layug, Benjamin Locsin (2007). A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches. Pasig City, Philippines: New Day Publishers, 76-77. ISBN 971-8521-10-0.