The Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral in Tuguegarao City was our first church in Cagayan during our Visita Iglesia this Maundy Thursday, following several church visits in Isabela earlier in the day. Located along Rizal Street at the city center, the cathedral stands out with its red-brick façade, a familiar architectural feature in many historic churches across the Cagayan Valley.

The origins of the cathedral date back to 1604 when Dominican missionaries established Tuguegarao as a mission area. The first church was built using light materials under Fr. Tomas Villa. As the town developed, a more permanent structure became necessary, leading to the construction of the present brick church beginning in 1761 under Fr. Antonio Lobato and completed in 1768. The use of locally made bricks gave the church both durability and a distinct identity.

Architecturally, the cathedral reflects a Baroque style adapted to local materials. Its façade features decorative brickwork, a curved pediment, and evenly spaced windows that create a balanced and functional design. The adjacent bell tower follows the same brick construction and complements the main structure without overwhelming it. Inside, the church maintains a straightforward layout, with the altar as the focal point and high ceilings that allow light and air to circulate.

The cathedral sustained significant damage during the Second World War but was later rebuilt. Restoration efforts focused on maintaining its original form while ensuring structural stability. Today, it serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, making it an important religious and administrative center in the region.