St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral is a cherished religious and cultural symbol in Tuguegarao and the broader Cagayan Valley.
This iconic Baroque cathedral from the 18th century, which beautifully combines history, art, and faith, is located in the heart of Tuguegarao City, making it convenient for visitors to access.
Tuguegarao was established as a Dominican mission on May 9, 1604, by friars from the Ordo Praedicatorum (the Order of Preachers), also known as the Dominican Order, with Father Tomas Villa serving as the first vicar. The construction of the current cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter, began under Fr. Antonio Lobato in 1761 and was completed in 1768.
On April 10, 1910, it became the seat of the Diocese of Tuguegarao, and on September 21, 1974, it was elevated to the status of Metropolitan Archdiocese, thus earning the designation of Metropolitan Cathedral.
The cathedral endured significant damage during World War II but was meticulously restored, preserving its historical design. In 1982, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker to signify its cultural significance to the Filipino nation.
The cathedral features a barn-style Baroque architecture, reflecting a fusion of Italian Baroque and construction techniques. Its façade is characterized by a broken and crested pediment, which has inspired other churches in the Cagayan Valley, including those in Dupax del Sur and Bambang.
Built primarily from brick and mortar, the cathedral exhibits molded brickwork embellished with symbols such as keys, the sun, the moon, roosters, and motifs representing the Virgin Mary and the Dominican Order on both its interior and exterior walls.
The entire structure measures approximately 17 meters in width, 50 meters in length, and 50 meters in height, making it the largest colonial church in the province of Cagayan.
The distinctive bell tower rises five stories high, adorned with motifs mirroring the façade, and is topped with a roofed canopy and cross. The 40-meter belfry is constructed from bricks prepared in a traditional horno (brick oven), ensuring its historical integrity.
Inside, the cathedral features inscriptions and decorative ceilings, including biblical verses that highlight its spiritual importance. Additionally, it houses the cathedra, or bishop’s throne, symbolizing the archbishop’s teaching authority.
The cathedral remains active, holding regular masses and special liturgical events, with morning and afternoon services. It serves as a key pilgrimage and spiritual site during Holy Week and other religious observances.