Laoag Cathedral

Laoag Cathedral is a Catholic church with Italian Renaissance architecture in Laoag, Philippines. Its two-story facade features columns framing the arched entrance and creates a balanced classical appearance.

Augustinian friars built the original wooden chapel in 1580, and the stone structure was completed in 1612. The construction reflects the spread of Christianity in the region during Spanish colonial times.

The cathedral displays religious artworks and honors San Guillermo el Ermitaño, the city's patron saint, through a central retable inside. This saint shapes the spiritual identity of the place and remains central to local devotion.

The cathedral opens daily from early morning through evening and holds regular services throughout the day. Visitors can request guided tours to learn more about the building and its religious significance.

The separate cylindrical bell tower gradually sinks into the ground at a slow rate each year. This ongoing subsidence makes it a fascinating geological phenomenon that visitors can observe in person.