Here is your complete DIY travel guide if you’re planning to visit. We also included the mass schedule of Baguio Cathedral if you wish to attend one.
I don’t know if it’s the Catholic piety in me but I just love visiting churches whenever I travel to different places. It’s as if, my travel would not be complete without stepping on one and experiencing spirituality.
Likewise, whenever I step on Baguio City, there’s always this urge to visit Baguio Cathedral and just sit there for a moment of silence. Most of the time, I pray or attend the mass if I chance on one.
And yeah, I guess its entrancing architecture that also keeps me coming back. There’s just something about it that makes me excited whenever I see it.
Anyways, if you’re planning to visit, here is how you get there.
How to Get to Baguio Cathedral
Getting to Baguio Cathedral is pretty much easy especially when you are within the central districts.
From Session Road, proceed to the upper section, and you’ll find a long stair to the right leading straight to Baguio Cathedral. If you’re coming from Burnham Park, get past Melvin Jones Grandstand, cross the road in front of Tiong San, and walk your way to upper Session Road.
If you’re coming from SM Baguio, just walked down for a few meters, cross the street, and you’ll reach Baguio Cathedral in a few minutes.
It’s also some minutes of a walk if you’re coming from either Victory Liner or North Genesis bus station.
If it’s up to me, no need to ride a taxi so you can also explore sights along the way! That’s also a way to lessen your carbon footprint, right? Well, that’s except of course if you’re coming from distant points like Mines View Park or The Mansion.
What’s with Baguio Cathedral?
Otherwise known as Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, Baguio Cathedral offers an imposing view. With its pinkish twin-towers and Gothic-style architecture, you might think that you’re in Europe when you step on it.
During my first visit, I literally jaw-dropped especially that I grew up attending masses on an old, simple church. So to see in person a cathedral with such glorious feature was such an exhilarating moment.
Standing on Mount Mary Hill, the church’s compound provides panoramic views of Baguio City including Burnham Park.
There are also souvenir stalls where you can buy locally-made products such as wooden crafts, hand-woven textiles, baked goodies, ornamentals, and many more.
Then, there’s a stall selling organic vegetables and fruits. It’s one of the best stops for health-conscious persons. If you from the stall, you’re helping promote a natural lifestyle while supporting local livelihood.
If you’re for a shopping spree, there’s an entrance from the church compound leading to Porta Vaga Mall.
A brief History of Baguio Cathedral
Baguio Cathedral plays an important role in the history of Baguio.
The Belgian missionaries built it during the American regime and since then, it became a frequented pilgrimage site among local Catholics and even those from the lowlands.
During the carpet bombing in World War II, the Baguio Cathedral is one of the few structures left intact. It literally saved thousands who sought refuge inside it. The surrounding became a burial ground for many who lost their lives due to the bombing.
Baguio Cathedral Mass Schedule
Here are the schedules for masses at the Baguio Cathedral. Mind you. The church easily gets filled to capacity on any given Sunday so it always best to go there early. Or if not, attend mass during any weekday.
Baguio Cathedral can accommodate up to 850 people. There’s a high chance though that you’ll have to stand outside to hear mass when you arrive late. Good thing, loudspeakers have been set up.
Sunday
- 6:00 AM
- 7:00 AM
- 8:00 AM (Ilocano)
- 9:00 AM (Tagalog)
- 10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 4:00 PM
- 5:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Saturday
- 6:00 AM
- 7:00 AM
- 5:00 PM
Monday to Friday
- 6:00 AM
- 5:15 PM
For Your Information
If you need more information to help in setting up your itinerary to Baguio Cathedral or to update on the mass schedules, contact the following:
- Tel. Number: (074) 442 4256
