Romblon Cathedral

Romblon Cathedral is a Catholic church in the town of Romblon in the Philippines, built with thick coral stone walls that have endured for centuries. The building features three entrance doors with detailed religious carvings at the main portal, and the altar inside shows Byzantine-style decorations.

A Portuguese priest named Agustin de San Pedro began construction of the church in 1644, while also training local residents in defensive skills. The design included defensive features to protect against sea raids, blending religious purpose with practical safety needs.

The cathedral houses a Santo Niño statue installed in the early 1700s, which remains central to local religious devotion. During annual celebrations in January, the community gathers to honor this figure as part of their spiritual life.

Access to the church is mainly available during worship services held at various times throughout the week. Visitors should be prepared for traditional religious ceremonies and dress respectfully when entering this sacred space.

The original copper bells still function in a bell tower that once served as a defensive lookout against sea attackers. These bells ring at specific times and remind visitors of how this building once needed to serve both spiritual and protective purposes.