Legazpi Cathedral - Albay

Legazpi Cathedral, located on Rizal Street in the Old Albay District of Legazpi City in the province of Albay, is one of the region's Spanish-colonial cathedrals.

Legazpi Cathedral

Legazpi Cathedral details

Legazpi Cathedral is formally called St. Gregory the Great Cathedral and is also referred to as Albay Cathedral. It was founded by the Franciscans sometime in 1587 as a Visita of Cagsaua.

Legazpi Cathedral - Legazpi City, Albay

Like most Spanish-colonial churches, the first church was built using materials that are easily accessible and abundant in the area like nipa and lumber. It was then placed under the patronage of St. Gregory the Great. He was a pope who is known for instigating the first recorded large-scale mission from Rome known as the Gregorian Mission. The goal of this mission was to convert the then-pagan Anglo-Saxons in England to Christianity. He is regarded as the patron saint of teachers, students, and musicians.

Legazpi Cathedral facade

Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno / St. Gregory the Great Cathedral

Legazpi Cathedral NHC Marker

St. Gregory the Great statue can be seen at the facade

Legazpi Cathedral interior

Legazpi Cathedral altar

A closer look at the altar of Legazpi Cathedral

Going back to the church, since the materials used in building it degrades, it was rebuilt using sturdier wood planks in 1635. Sadly, it was razed by fire in 1754. The church was eventually rebuilt in 1834 under the efforts of Fr. Pedro Romero. This time the church was built using stone and was built using the baroque architectural style. However, it was destroyed during the Philippine-American War in 1900. It was rebuilt soon after that but was damaged again during the Second World War. 

Legazpi Cathedral's baptismal area

Legazpi Cathedral's entrance as seen from the altar

Legazpi Cathedral's side chapel

The church was subsequently repaired under the guidance of Fr. Nicanor Belleza and is one that we currently see. 

The Backpack Adventures visits Legazpi Cathedral

The church eventually became the seat and cathedral of Legazpi Diocese in 1951. I got to visit Legazpi Cathedral on the 4th day of our Bicol Road Trip 2021. It was my second destination for the day after driving my brother to Legazpi Airport.

Legazpi Cathedral Entrance Fees

It's FREE to enter Legazpi Cathedral and explore it and its grounds. 

Legazpi Cathedral Mass Schedule

Monday - Friday: 5:30-6:30AM / 6:30-7:30AM / 12:15-1:15PM / 5:30-6:30PM
Saturday: 5:30-6:30AM / 6:30-7:30AM / 5:30-6:30PM
Sunday: 5-6AM / 6:30-7:30AM / 8-9AM / 9:30-10:30AM / 11-12NN/ 2:45-3:45PM / 4-5PM / 5:30-6:30PM / 7-8PM

Why visit Legazpi Cathedral?

Legazpi Cathedral is one of the oldest and probably one of the most important Catholic structures in the province of Albay. It's a must-visit if you're planning to go on a Visita Iglesia or Pilgrimage of the province. 

Getting to Legazpi Cathedral


From Pasay, board a bus going to Legazpi City. Tell the conductor to drop you off at the cathedral. 

Bus Fare: 800 - 1100 pesos depending on the type of bus.
Travel Time: 13 - 14 hours

Another option is to book a domestic flight going to Legazpi Airport. From there, you can ride a taxi going to Legazpi Cathedral. It costs more but is way faster.  

Ratings

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 4PQM+98C, Old Albay District, Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

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