Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle

An incredibly historic and resilient Church located in the heart of the historic Vigan community. The church is currently being repaired and renovated from what I was told was an earthquake that did a lot of damage. However you can still go inside and buy from the vendors on the outside of the church. Definitely worth going inside to seeing this old historic church and learning a little bit about the history.

During my visit, the Vigan Cathedral was under construction, but I was still able to enter and see the inside. The timing made the experience feel different—it was Black Friday. As I stepped inside, the atmosphere felt a bit eerie, not in a negative way, but more solemn and reflective. A haunting, sorrowful song was playing in the background, fitting for the significance of the day in the Catholic tradition. It felt like a space frozen in grief, evoking the passion and mourning of Christ’s crucifixion. Despite the renovation, the Cathedral’s spiritual weight and historical grandeur still shine through.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Nueva Segovia: A Testament of Faith and Resilience As the stronghold of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, the Metropolitan Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith, even as it bears the scars of the 2022 earthquake. Though still undergoing restoration, it remains open to the public, allowing the faithful to pray and reflect within its sacred walls. Despite the ongoing repairs, pews are still available for visitors, and half of the cathedral remains accessible for worship. At the heart of its marvelous altar are the historical images of Jesus of Nazareth and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, enshrined in the low mass altars. However, what truly sets this cathedral apart from others I’ve visited is its old Spanish-era paintings displaying the promises of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus to His devotees. Seeing this made me realize why most Ilocano churches prominently enshrine the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in their main retablos—faith and tradition deeply intertwined. Another remarkable treasure of the cathedral is the venerable remains of Archbishop Alfredo Versoza, a persecuted clergyman in his time for his testament to the apparition of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, in his former Archdiocese of Lipa. I prayed through his intercession, hoping for the full restoration of this sacred seat of faith and for a renewed devotion among Filipinos to Jesus’ Blessed Mother, the Mediatrix of All Grace. I look forward to the cathedral’s complete restoration, and I will certainly update my review once that day comes. May this place continue to stand as a symbol of unwavering faith for both locals and pilgrims alike.

Visiting a church can be a peaceful experience. You get to listen to the words of God and appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Plus, many churches have a fascinating history that's worth exploring. I hope you get the chance to visit one soon!

Unfortunately when we visited there was maintenance going on inside and outside of the church

Old churches always put me in awe. It holds so many stories of people from that place. This church is also known as the Metropolitan cathedral of St. Paul, the apostle. Part of UNESCO heritage site located in the heart of Vigan. It haa a baroque architecture built during the Spanish era and considered as the seat of the Roman Catholic devotion for centuries. Also, here lies the remains of Bishop Versoza, 4th Catholic bishop and servant of God. Right across the church is Plaza Salcedo.

Such a pretty place to visit. The old, narrow streets and the enchanting open capiz windows will transport you back to an era where people around you were busy going about their day wearing filipiñana and barong. How positively glorious would that be to witness that in person? Times like this i am reminded of how old my soul feels. Just a piece of advice, make sure to visit this place in the afternoon. My companions and i arrived at abt 12 noon so the restaurants were packed with customers dining in and the streets deserted because of the unforgiving heat that has given me a massive headache but still was worth it! I will definitely be back to visit.

It is great to visit a seat of the Roman Catholic Religion in Vigan. Historically, this Cathedral is one of the oldest in our country where the First Filipino Bishop served. It is located in the very heart of the City. You can have your anticipated mass here at 6 PM and at seven eat your dinner in the nearby restaurants or food store. After an hour, you can find your place in the area where the famous show of the Dancing Fountains are. This place is located right in front of the Vigan Cathedral. Once the show is over, you can walk the rest of the Calle Crisologo to buy your souvenirs.