St. Gregory the Great Cathedral

Known as one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the Philippines, the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral features itself as one of the tourist attractions and one the most prominent landmarks in the Old Albay District of Legazpi. It is located nearby Peñaranda Park, Legazpi City Hall and Provincial Capitol in the province of Albay.

The Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great is also known locally as the Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno and Albay Cathedral. It is the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of Legazpi and it is one of the massive churches found in the City where one can have a good view of Mt. Mayon Volcano on a clear day.

The first church was a wooden chapel developed by early Spanish missionaries who moved into town in 1580s. There were unnoted renovations and reconstructions until 1754 when the church was ruined and buried during the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral

Another notable church construction happened in 1834 through the kindness of Pedro Romero. In 1951 the church was elevated to become a cathedral when the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of Legaspi was established. Its facade has a semicircular arched main entrance with portico, flanked by niches and coupled columns on pedestals supporting the triangular pediments. In 2001, during the golden jubilee of the church, a gate with monolithic pillars and arch was constructed.

Canonically installed in December 10, 2009, Bishop Joel Zamudio Baylon serves as the 6th and current bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi. For its nominal patron, it has Our Lady Mother of Salvation. Its secondary patron is St. Gregory the Great.

Comprising of 1.19 million population (97 percent are Catholics), the Diocese of Legazpi is one of the largest bishopric in the Philippines.

How to get there

The St. Gregory the Great Cathedral is a known landmark in Legazpi City. It is easily accessible from all points of the city and most jeepneys ply along Rizal Avenue where the church is located. It is about 2 kilometers from Legazpi Airport or about a short 8 minutes ride by tricycle (P15).

The Altar, during a wedding

Cathedral Gate

Ceiling Design

Church Interior

Diocesan Museum

Lisa and Sam at Albay Cathedral

Mark, Lisa and Sam at St Gregory Cathedral

Remembrance during Pope John Paul II visit to Legaspi

Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno - Right side

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.