Santo Domingo parish church in Basco, officially known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, stands as the oldest and most historically significant church in Batanes.
Situated along National Road about a hundred meters from Casa Real in the heart of Basco, the church dates back to the arrival of Dominican missionaries Baltazar Calderon and Bartolome Artiguez who established it in the late 18th century, coinciding with the founding of Basco in 1783.
Originally built from cogon and wood, it was later reconstructed from stone, lime, and sand in 1795 to withstand the province’s frequent typhoons and fires. The current neoclassical façade was designed in 1812 by Fr. Nicolas Castaño, with the convent being added in 1814.
Commonly referred to as Basco Cathedral, it has survived multiple disasters including a fire in 1860, the Second World War, and a devastating magnitude 7 earthquake in 2000, after which it was meticulously rebuilt and restored to its original design, culminating in its completion in 2011.
While it showcases a traditional Baroque design, the cathedral’s pale yellow exterior is a distinctive and defining characteristic. The architecture is adapted to the local environment, featuring thick walls for added fortification.
Elevated to cathedral status in 2002, it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Prelature of Batanes under the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.
Built in espadaña style, with two bell arches and imposing limestone pilasters, the cathedral is home to the 1783 Mission Bell, a gift from King Charles III of Spain, now displayed in a monument adjacent to the cathedral.
The cathedral grounds include a Marian grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, providing a tranquil space for prayer and contemplation.
The church interior features a retablo altar amidst the preserved stone walls from the original structure. The cathedral houses religious artifacts contained inside a glass case, and a display features a prayer inscribed in four languages—Latin, English, Ivatan, and Itbayaten—showcasing the linguistic heritage of the province.
This cathedral serves as a pivotal element for any heritage-based itinerary focused on Ivatan spirituality and colonial architecture.