Jaro Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary is a national shrine in Jaro, western Philippines, with a red-roofed dome and Romanesque Revival facades. The interior displays several side aisles with wooden pews, ceiling frescoes, and saint statues along the walls.

Bishop Mariano Cuartero commissioned the church starting in 1869 after an earthquake destroyed earlier religious structures. Construction concluded in 1874, and the building received national shrine status in the 20th century.

The shrine houses a venerated 19th-century Madonna and Child statue that rests in a glass pyramid above the main altar, drawing believers from across the country. Pilgrims light candles in the chapel and bring flowers during the annual feasts honoring the Mother of God, especially in February.

The church sits roughly four kilometers west of Iloilo City center and is accessible by motorcycle taxis or jeepneys. Masses are held daily in English and Hiligaynon, and visitors should wear appropriate clothing.

The bell tower stands across the street rather than next to the church, unlike most Philippine religious buildings. This arrangement emerged after an earthquake toppled the original tower, prompting its separate reconstruction for safety reasons.

Location: Jaro

Inception: 1587

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Website: http://ourladyofcandlesnationalshrine.com

GPS coordinates: 10.72351,122.55622

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30