Naga Cathedral
Archdiocese of Cáceres·Roman Catholic·Philippines
The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of Saint John the Evangelist, serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Cáceres in Naga, Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is a significant religious landmark, with its current structure dating back to an 1808 construction, completed and consecrated in 1843, and has undergone several restorations due to damage from natural disasters.
Key Facts
- ›The current cathedral was built starting in 1808 and completed and consecrated in 1843.
- ›It was established after the Diocese of Nueva Cáceres was created in 1595.
- ›The cathedral has been damaged by fire, earthquakes, and typhoons throughout its history, necessitating restorations.
- ›Its architecture is described as Spanish Romanesque Revival with elements of Earthquake Baroque.
- ›The interior features trompe-L'œIL paintings and arcades designed to withstand seismic activity.
Spanish Romanesque Revival, Earthquake Baroque
- Facade With Twin Pilasters and A Pediment Topped By A Round Cupola
- Symmetrical Hexagonal Belfries
- Interior Arcades and Massive Columns To Counter Earthquake Effects
- Trompe-L'œIl Paintings On Interior Ceilings and Arches
- Stained Glass Windows
- Coat of Arms of Castile and LeóN On the Facade
About Naga Cathedral
Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of Saint John the Evangelist, stands as the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cáceres in Naga, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Its origins trace back to the establishment of the Diocese of Nueva Cáceres in 1595, for which the first cathedral was founded.
History and Resilience
The current cathedral structure was initiated in 1808 under Bishop Bernardo de la Concepción, following the destruction of an earlier church by fire in 1768. The construction was completed and the cathedral was consecrated in 1843 under Tomás Ladrón de Guevara. Throughout its existence, the cathedral has faced significant challenges from natural calamities. It sustained damage from an earthquake in 1820, a typhoon in 1856, and another earthquake in 1887. These events necessitated extensive restoration efforts, including a major renovation between 1862 and 1879 under Francisco Gainza, and further repairs in 1890. A more recent comprehensive restoration began in April 1987 under the supervision of parish priest Jaime M. San Andres, culminating in the cathedral's inauguration and rededication on February 6, 1988, by Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi.
Architectural Features
Architecturally, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral is designed in the Spanish Romanesque Revival style, with notable adaptations for seismic resilience, characteristic of Earthquake Baroque. It features a cruciform plan and a large stone construction with a galvanized iron roof. The exterior walls are gray, and the front facade presents a squat appearance, with a high arch entrance flanked by two-level pilasters. Its facade is gently curved at the corners and topped by a pediment surmounted by a cupola, supported by tiny columns, and flanked by two short, symmetrical hexagonal belfries. Internally, the cathedral is characterized by arcades and four massive series of arches and columns supporting the nave and aisles, a design intended to mitigate earthquake damage. The interior surfaces, including the ceilings, are adorned with recently executed trompe-l'œil paintings, and the nave and aisles are illuminated by stained glass windows.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the current Naga Cathedral built?
The construction of the present cathedral began in 1808. It was completed and officially consecrated in 1843.
What is the history of the Naga Cathedral?
The first church for the Diocese of Cáceres was established in 1595. The current structure replaced an earlier church destroyed by fire in 1768 and has since been damaged and restored multiple times.
What architectural style is the Naga Cathedral?
The cathedral is built in the Spanish Romanesque Revival style and exhibits features of Earthquake Baroque architecture, particularly in its facade and interior structural elements designed to resist seismic impacts.
Has the Naga Cathedral suffered damage?
Yes, the cathedral has a history of damage from natural disasters. It was affected by fire in 1768, an earthquake in 1820, a typhoon in 1856, and another earthquake in 1887, requiring significant repairs and restorations.
Who is the current leader of the Archdiocese of Cáceres?
Rex Andrew Alarcon is the present Archbishop of Cáceres. Domingo R. Florida serves as the current rector and parish priest of The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.
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