Tour In San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, commonly known as the Lipa Cathedral, is a Romanesque church in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines. The cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Lipa. The Cathedral was chosen as the seat of the then Diocese of the Lipa in 1910.
Address: G Solis St, Lipa, Batangas
Status: Parish church
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
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.
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 on 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 over 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 a 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
The main altar
An organ at the transept
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
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.
San Sebastian Cathedral | Lipa, Batangas
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If you are considering San Sebastian Cathedral for your church, you should check out this video.
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Biyaheng Lipa: Churches and Lenten Celebration in Lipa
Visit and spend your Holy Week in Lipa City which is attributed by Department of Tourism as Little Rome of the Philippines due to its numerous churches and religious houses. Lipa City is nestled between two mountains and elevated 1,200 ft above sea level. Lipa is a class A city and only about an hour drive from Makati via SLEX and STAR tollways.
You will be able to complete your Visita Iglesia without going out of the city. Other than beautiful churches, you will witness or join Good Friday procession and Salubong in the midnight of Easter Sunday. If you would like to arrange for your Pilgrimage Tour you may contact Lipa Archdiocese at 0915 464 0518 or (043) 756 2572.
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
Welcome Mass for the Incorrupt Heart of St. Padre Pio with the Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, DD, Archbishop of Lipa, and concelebrating priests #HeartofStPadrePio
San Sebastian Cathedral, Lipa City Batangas
Google Sketchup model of San Sebastian Cathedral, Lipa City Batangas
Walking Around Lipa Cathedral Church in Batangas
This church is also known as San Sebastian Cathedral where actress Vilma Santos and Congressman then Ralp Recto held their wedding.
San Sebastian Cathedral Parish Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
Welcome to San Sebastian Cathedral Parish - Archdiocese of Lipa YouTube Channel. We broadcast 24/7 worldwide. Visit our website for the Schedule of Masses.
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Pastoral Visit Video 2018 for San Sebastian Cathedral
Produced by Youth Multimedia Officers
Director : Steven Cabalo
Camera Team : Noriel Lascano, Jen Magtibay & Teofilo Dalangin
Host : Ann Pesa
Production Head : Christel Joy Dy
Photos : Hoven Hernandez, Verlon, Mae Bing Bing
Production Staff : Jean Magtibay, Daniella Ilao, JayDee Katigbak, Melqui C., Fred T.
Supervisor : Rev. Father Jessie Pentinio
Raw aerial footage: San Sebastian Cathedral, Lipa City
Another raw drone footage of San Sebastian Cathedral, Lipa City Batangas Philippines during our Visita Iglesia
Dated: 3/3/2018
Equipment: DJI Spark
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San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
Cathedral of San Sebastian: Lipa City, Batangas
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City
Sayaw ng pagbati 2015
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa Batangas - Panuluyan 2014
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
Welcome to San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa.
Regular Time of Online Masses:
Monday to Friday : 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m & 5:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday : 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m & 5:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday : 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m & 3:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
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Living in Lipa City Poblacion? Tune in to our Community Radio at 105.7 FM from 5:00 am to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Cathedral Lipa Batangas Live Stream
San Sebastian Cathedral Youtube Channel powered by 105.7 CLCTV Radio and Youth Multimedia Operatives
San Sebastian Cathedral Lipa City Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa
Public Veneration and Overnight Vigil #HeartOfStPadrePio
Lipa City San Sebastián Cathedral Holy Week 2017
Aerial video of cathedral on Holy Week 2017