Dumaguete Cathedral Church (St. Catherine of Alexandria)

Known to Dumagueteños (people of Dumaguete) as the Dumaguete Cathedral Church, the St. Catherine of Alexandria Church is one of the solid structural witnesses of Dumaguete’s rich history and culture – and why it is nicknamed The City of Gentle People.

The Cathedral Church of Dumaguete in the Philippines boasts itself as the “Oldest Stone Church in Negros”. The church was originally built in 1754 to 1776. It was reconstructed in 1885 and the present facade was extended in 1936.

Just a stone-throw away from the historic Belfry of Dumaguete, the Dumaguete Cathedral Church is the main reason why the nearby Quezon Park is crowded on Sundays. This is the main Roman Catholic Church in the region and it is the seat of the Diocese of Dumaguete.

Dumaguete Cathedral Church

Statues of Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John can be found above the four pillars which hold the entrance gate of the Cathedral Church area. On the church’s facade are the statues of Saints Peter and Paul. Devotees regularly visit the church, even when there’s no mass, to ask for forgiveness and say their thanks and praises. Many Dumagueteños believed that their patroness St. Catherine of Alexandria is miraculous and it gives them a lot of reason to smile and celebrate life.

How to get there

The Dumaguete Cathedral Church is located along Perdices Street, fronting Quezon Park where the Dumaguete Tourism Office is situated.

From the Airport of Dumaguete, take a taxi directly to the Church. From the city center, take a tricycle going to Perdices St and you can tell the driver to let you off at the Belfry because it’s a much popular landmark than the church. From the Port of Dumaguete, you can either take a tricycle or take the short 5-minute walk along Rizal Boulevard, then turn left on the corner of Shakey’s Pizza and walk for another 5 minutes.

Belfry and Church - Painting

Interior of the Cathedral Church

Nuestra Senora Sta Catalina de Alejandria

Oldest Stone Church in Negros

Tito King, Sam and Lisa outside the church

Mark, Lisa and Sam inside the Church

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.