Jaro Cathedral

Jaro Cathedral is the principal church of the Archdiocese of Jaro, in the Jaro district of Iloilo City. It is closely associated with the revered image of Our Lady of Candles and is also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles. The cathedral faces Jaro Plaza and stands among the district’s streets, shops and civic spaces. Its historic belfry is nearby but separate, making the church and tower easy to visit on the same walk.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines records that the cathedral was built in 1874 at the direction of Mariano Cuartero, Jaro’s first bishop. An earthquake in January 1948 damaged the building; restoration followed in 1956 under the direction of Jose Ma. Cuenco, the first Archbishop of Jaro. The NHCP marker also records the cathedral’s connection with Graciano Lopez Jaena, who was baptized here in 1856. These events help explain the church’s importance to both religious life and the city’s history.

The facade faces the plaza, with broad steps leading to the entrance and towers rising on either side. During feast days and services, the space in front becomes part of the ceremony, so the cathedral is best understood together with the square rather than as an isolated building. The revered image is kept inside, and the church remains an active place of worship. Check service times and visitor rules locally before entering. Dress modestly; during a service, avoid walking through the aisles or disturbing worshippers. A visit can be combined with a walk around Jaro Plaza and the nearby belfry, which is listed separately as a national historical landmark.

Address

Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines

On the map