Kalibo Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in downtown Kalibo, Philippines
Kalibo Cathedral, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, stands in downtown Kalibo with tall columns supporting a high-ceiling nave and stained glass windows depicting religious figures throughout its interior. The building combines traditional church architecture with modern construction methods that support its spacious layout.
The cathedral was established as a mission by Augustinian friars in 1581 and relocated to its current downtown location in 1804 when the town moved from its original site at Barrio Laguinbanua. This move marked a turning point in Kalibo's urban development.
During January's Ati-Atihan Festival, the cathedral becomes central to celebrations with street dancing, parades, and religious ceremonies honoring Santo Niño. The faithful gather here to express their devotion to the Christ Child as part of a living community tradition.
Visitors can attend during regular mass schedules throughout the week, and groups can arrange tours in advance to explore the architectural features at their own pace. It helps to check in advance which times work best for sightseeing between services.
National artist Leandro V. Locsin designed this cathedral using modern construction techniques while keeping traditional church elements intact, creating an interesting blend of architectural styles. This mix of old and new approaches often surprises visitors who expect a purely classical design.
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