Things to Do at Baguio Cathedral

Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, better known as Baguio Cathedral, sits perched on a hill overlooking the city center - and honestly, you can't miss it. The twin spires rise above the pine trees like something out of a European postcard, though the rose-colored stone gives it away as distinctly Filipino. Built in the 1930s, it's actually the third church to occupy this spot, after earthquakes claimed the previous two. What strikes most visitors is how the cathedral manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time. The Gothic Revival architecture is genuinely impressive, but there's something warm about the way locals treat it as their neighborhood church. You'll often find people climbing the 100-step staircase not just for Mass, but to light candles, meet friends, or simply escape the bustle of Session Road below. The view from the top doesn't hurt either - on clear days, you can see across the Cordillera mountains.

The cathedral is right in the heart of Baguio, about a 5-minute walk uphill from Session Road. If you're staying anywhere in the city center, you can easily walk there - just look for the spires and head that direction. Jeepneys and taxis can drop you off at the base of the steps on Cathedral Loop, though most drivers will know exactly where you mean if you just say 'Baguio Cathedral.' There's limited parking at the top if you're driving, but the narrow roads up there can be tricky to navigate.