During our return journey to Manila from Pampanga, we made a stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, formerly known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the city.

The church, originally constructed in the 1750s under the patronage of San Fernando III, King of Castille, was initially built using wood and thatch. However, it underwent renovations in the 1780s. Regrettably, the structure faced destruction by fire on two occasions: first during the Philippine Revolution Army in May 1899 under Gen. Antonio Luna’s orders, and again in 1939.

Following its destruction, the church underwent restoration and reconstruction in 1948, featuring a neo-classical design. It was officially canonically erected on June 25, 1975. The cathedral now boasts a commanding presence with its large dome and imposing structure adorned in shades of white, beige, gray, and maroon, accentuated by faux columns. The grand round dome emerging from the transept’s rotunda reflects elements of both Baroque and Renaissance styles, adding to its majestic allure.

The San Fernando Cathedral holds a pivotal place in the history of San Fernando, Pampanga. Notably, on October 9, 1898, President Emilio F. Aguinaldo and his cabinet observed the Philippine Revolutionary Army from the windows of its convento. Recognizing its historical importance, the National Museum of the Philippines has designated the Cathedral as an important cultural property.