24/08/2026
A. Physical Description
San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral is a historic landmark located in San Carlos City,
Negros Occidental. As a prominent Catholic church, it holds great significance in the region.
The cathedral showcases stunning architectural and ornamental features, reflecting a rich
blend of Spanish Colonial design influences.
The church measures 51 meters in length and 22 meters in width. Entirely made of
concrete, including the choir loft, main altar, and two lateral chapels, it was built to withstand
the elements. The galvanized iron roof and two small lateral chapels extend from the arms of
the cross, giving the cathedral a cross-shaped layout when viewed from above. This
configuration displays elements of Byzantine-inspired architecture.
Three large frontal portals, along with spacious side doors, allow easy access in and
out of the cathedral. Oversized stained yellow-glass windows line both sides, filling the interior
with natural light and ventilation. These windows, designed in a Gothic architectural style,
contribute to the church’s solemn and airy atmosphere. Its red roof, spires, and flesh-colored
outer walls add elegance and visual appeal under the sun. Romanesque architectural features
are also evident in its pillars, altar, and round windows.
In line with the vision of its builders and project manager, Padre Manuel Gomara, the
cathedral successfully integrates three architectural styles: Gothic, Byzantine, and
Romanesque.
The church’s light yellow and dark red facade is recessed between twin bell towers and
a central portico. The fenestration follows pointed arch templates, and blind pointed arches
decorate the front wall, pediment, and doorways. Rose windows with quatrefoil motifs are
placed high on the walls. The bell towers are capped with steep pyramidal roofs.
Upon entering, visitors find a room to the right containing saints’ statues and a crucified
image of Jesus Christ. On the left, a staircase leads to the 97-year-old bell and the choir loft.
The ceiling, made of hardwood, features visible wooden trusses as old as the church itself.
Murals accentuate the interior walls, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere. The floor is tiled and
shows signs of aging, adding to the historical ambiance. The pulpit, still structurally sound,
stands to the right of the altar and remains usable today.
Outside, candle lighting takes place beside the church, between the Colegio de Sta.
Rita and the cathedral itself. A fishpond and baptismal font are also located near this area. At the center of the altar are statues of Jesus Christ on the cross, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph. Notably, two tombs are located inside the church—those of Silverio Pascual Vicente and his granddaughter, Feliza Vicente Eusebio—in recognition of Silverio’s contributions to the church’s construction. The land owned by the Diocese of San Carlos City is extensive and houses several significant buildings. On the right side of the church stands Colegio de Sta. Rita, established in 1933. To the left are the San Carlos Borromeo Parish Office, CBCP, and Domus Dei. A prayer room can also be found at the rear of the church.
B. History of the Structure
The original visita was established under the Calatrava parish in 1895. Groundbreaking for the present church began in 1928 under Fr. Leoncio Reta, but financial constraints suspended work. Construction resumed in May 1935, aided by prominent haciendero donations, notably ₱20,000 from Don Julio Ledesma, and oversight by Architect Angel Locsin Yulo following Dr. Cerada’s plans. The completed church was consecrated and inaugurated in November 1935, coinciding with the feast of Saint Charles Borromeo. In March 1987, it became the cathedral of the newly created Diocese of San Carlos. During World War II, the church served as a refuge and strategic shelter for hundreds of civilians and guerrilla fighters. The Diocese's structure and reach were formalized in subsequent decades; today it serves San Carlos City and the surrounding districts of Negros Occidental and Oriental.
The parish priests then dubbed San Carlos City as a “City of Generous People” due to the help of the city's hacienderos. The hacienderos of San Carlos assisted in the continuation of the church. The target amount of 12,000 pesos was not enough and Don Julio Ledesma eventually donated the hefty sum of 20,000 pesos. Padre Manuel S. Gomara put up a parish rectory beside the church, which was made wholly of wood. Unfortunately, in the year 1967, it was burned down due to the explosion of the kerosene-run refrigerator. Father Victor A. Celigueta led the construction of the new rectory that still stands today.
C. Historical Significance
The Cathedral has a rich historical background. It was nestled in what was once a native settlement called Nabingkalan in a pre-colonial era which was renamed San Carlos and designated a pueblo by the Spanish government in 1856. The cathedral received its first parish priest in 1892, appointed by the Bishop of Jaro. The groundbreaking for the church took place in 1928, but due to insufficient funds, it was only completed and consecrated on Saint Charles Borromeo’s feast day in 1935. During World War II, the church was a refuge to hundreds of people from the Japanese and Guerilla for two days.
The building has undergone periodic roof repairs and repainting, especially after typhoons (most recently Typhoon Odette, December 2022), but retains its historical footprint and architectural character.
