Caraga Church

The San Salvador del Mundo Church sits on a rocky promontory facing the Pacific Ocean, built from limestone blocks, coral, and wooden elements. The structure sits elevated above the surroundings and commands views across the water from this location.

The current stone and wooden structure began construction in 1877 under Jesuit administration and was completed in 1884 as a mission station. The project emerged when European religious orders oversaw the establishment of churches throughout the region.

The church preserves connections to Spanish colonial times through its 1802 bell and large seashell fonts used for holy water. These elements reflect how foreign and local traditions merged within the walls over generations.

The building sits about three hours drive from Davao and is accessible to visitors during daylight hours. Its elevated coastal location means windy conditions are common and sturdy footwear is advisable.

The building survived Typhoon Pablo in 2012 without damage while surrounding structures in the community suffered severe harm. This resilience remains in the memory of those who witnessed it.