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The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian: Lipa City, Batangas

The gorgeous dome of the Lipa Cathedral


History of the Lipa Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian in Lipa, more commonly known as San
Sebastian Cathedral or more simply Lipa Cathedral , has a long history of construction,
destruction, and restoration.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian, or simply Lipa Cathedral

According to the Lipa City Tourism Council, the history of the Cathedral can be traced back
to as far back as April 30, 1605, when it was administered by the Augustinians under the
title “Convent of San Sebastian in Comintang.” The original building was made from only
light materials.

But the construction of the Cathedral that we see today started in 1779. Since then, it has
undergone a series of renovations and several elements had been added until it was finally
completed from 1865 to 1894, under the administration of Fray Benito Varas. In the 19th
century, still according to the Lipa City Tourism Council, the towns of Lipa, Taal, Batangas,
Tanauan, and Bauan competed to be chosen as the seat of the Southern Tagalog Region’s
new diocese. This inspired the people of these towns to build enormous and extravagant
churches. But in April 10, 1910, Lipa was chosen as the See (official seat of the bishop) and
the new diocese was founded. They say that Lipa’s cool climate had a big effect on the
decision by Most. Rev. Joseph Petrelli, the diocese’s first bishop. Since then, the Cathedral
has also been known as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Lipa. Today, Lipa is now an
archdiocese, covering many of the churches and parishes in neighboring municipalities and
cities.

Lipa City was one of the most heavily destructed cities in the region after World War II.
Along with many of Lipa’s ancestral houses that were destroyed, the Cathedral also suffered
from the atrocities of the war. Msgr. Alejandro Olalia, however, led the restoration of this
very special church in the 1950s. Many elements had been added and restored through the
years.

But its history isn’t the only fascinating thing about the Cathedral.

Architecture and Design


The Lipa Cathedral was constructed in the Romanesque tradition. It has big circular dome,
giant walls and columns, balconies, and arches. Standing proudly in front of the church is a
bell tower, which, like the dome, is decorated with moldings.

The Main Hall is surrounded by a series of arches. The carefully arranged pews form a sea
of wooden linear pattern that lies underneath the chandeliers, illuminating the church. The
aisle dividing the pews lead to the altar, bathing in the spotlight provided by the clerestory
of the dome above. The ceiling — including the pendentives and intrados — is painted with
images of saints.

In one corner of the Main Hall is a tableau depicting the Paschal mystery. In the opposite
corner is a winding stairway that connects the ground floor to the balcony, where the choir
stays.
The main altar
An organ at the transept

Paseo de San Sebastian


There are also a number of remarkable elements outside. Exit through the doors to the right
and you’ll find a garden-like passageway called Paseo de San Sebastian. The Paseo
separates the Cathedral from the administration offices. At the far end stands a figure of the
Virgin Mary, surrounded by ornamental plants. While we were there we could not help but
stay under the shade of the surrounding buildings and admire the fantastic architecture of
the church, especially its dome that looked magnificent against the rolling clouds in the
background.

The dome of Lipa Cathedral seen from the paseo.


Another room inside the church
Pews and chandeliers

Even its main entrance door is worthy of a mention. Sixteen carved images depicting the
History of Salvation up to the Great Jubilee of 2000 greet devotees and tourists. The door is
said to have been installed much more recently.

The San Sebastian Cathedral truly is one of the most important churches in Batangas
and a trip to Lipa wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this church. It does not just
provide a spiritual center and shelter to the Lipeños, it also offers a glimpse of the
history of the oldest city in Batangas.

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