The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the ecclesiastical seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu in Cebu, Philippines. It was established as a diocese on August 14, 1595 and elevated as a metropolitan archdiocese on April 28, 1934 with the dioceses of Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran, and Talibon as suffrages.

Construction of the cathedral took many years due to frequent interruptions, brought about by lack of funds and other unexpected events. At one time, funds meant for the building of the cathedral were diverted to the moro wars. The death of an incumbent bishop who spearheaded the construction/reconstruction and vacancies in the office were also factors.

Structure

The architecture of the church is typical of Spanish colonial churches in the country, namely, squat and with thick walls to withstand typhoons and other natural calamities. The facade features a trefoil-shaped pediment, which is decorated with carved relieves of floral motifs, an IHS inscription and a pair of griffins. The Spanish Royal Coat of Arms is emblazoned in low relief above the main entrance, reflecting perhaps the contribution of the Spanish monarch to its construction.

During World War II, much of the cathedral was destroyed by Allied bombings of the city. Only the belfry (built in 1835), the facade, and the walls remained. It was quickly rebuilt in the 1950s under the supervision of architect Jose Ma. Zaragosa during the incumbency of Archbishop Gabriel Reyes.

Museum

In 1982, a mausoleum was built at the back of the sacristy at the initiation of Archbishop Julio Cardinal Rosales. It serves as a final resting place for the remains of Cebu's bishops and clergy. Cardinal Rosales, who died three months after inauguration of the mausoleum, is interred there along with Archbishop Manuel Salvador, a coadjutor archbishop of Cebu, and Archbishop Mariano Gaviola, the archbishop of Lipa (1981–1993). The remains of Bishop Juan Bautista Gorordo, the first Filipino and Cebuano bishop of Cebu, are also interred there.

The cathedral has a pending application at the Vatican for the cathedral's elevation into a minor basilica in honor of St. Vitalis, an early Christian martyr. His feast day coincides with the day the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu was found almost 450 years ago, as well as the anniversary of the elevation of Cebu into an archdiocese.

How to Get There

By Plane: From Manila, there is a daily flight going to Cebu City.

By Boat: Cebu City's domestic port is the country's busiest. Cebu City is home to almost 80 percent of the country's passenger vessels. The country's largest shipping lines, namely WG&A, Sulpicio Lines, Trans-Asia, George & Peter Lines and Lorenzo Shipping Lines, are headquartered in Cebu. Large passenger ferries with a capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 passengers ply the more distant routes such as Manila, Davao, Butuan City, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro.

From the airport, you can ride a multicab, jeepney, or taxi. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hr and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. Just be sure you know what part of the city the jeepney will take you to.

Accommodations:
•    Crimson Resort and Spa - Seascapes Resort Town, Punta Engano, Cebu, Philippines
•    Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa - Punta Engano Road | P.O. Box 86 , Punta Engano, Cebu, Philippines 6015
•    Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Hotel - Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
•    Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu - Serging Osmena Boulevard Corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines 6000
•    Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa - M.L Quezon Highway, Maribago, Cebu, Philippines 6015
•    Moevenpick Resort & Spa Cebu - Punta Engano Mactan Island Lapu-Lapu, Punta Engano, Cebu, Philippines 6015
•    Badian Island Resort & Spa - Badian Island, Badian Island, Cebu, Philippines 6301
•    Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino - 1 Airport Road, Lapu-lapu City, Mactan - Airport Area, Cebu, Philippines
•    Cebu Parklane International Hotel - Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario St., Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
•    Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino - 1 Salinas Drive Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines 6000