San Sebastian Cathedral in central Lipa. Mass is so crowded that scores (maybe even hundreds) of people stand outside and just listen to the service.

The San Sebastian Cathedral, also known as the San Sebastian Church or the Cathedral of Lipa, is a Roman Catholic Church located in Lipa, Batangas frequented by thousands of pilgrims year by year. The church is also considered as one of the cultural landmarks in the province that witness the rich history of the town and the role it played in history.

Glories of the Past

San Sebastian Church was formerly located at the Shore of Taal Lake and was destroyed when Taal Volcano erupted in 1754. The volcanic eruption covered much of Batangas and Cavite with ash and lava. Reconstruction of the church on the present site began in 1732 and ended in 1790.

Folklore about San Sebastian Church

According to legend, the image of San Sebastian disappeared from the church and was later found by the townspeople on a Lipa tree, which led to the town being named after it.

Architectural Structure

San Sebastian Cathedral is constructed from rough-hewn, rectangular stone and has a six-storey octagonal bell tower which rests on a rectangular base and tapers gradually to the cupola on top.

Getting In

Batangas City is 2 1/2 hours away from Manila when using the old inter town route. Using the STAR Tollway route, one can reach Batangas City for just 1 1/2 hour. Tanauan City is about 1 hour away and in between Tanauan City and Batangas City, one will find Lipa City. ALPS The Bus, Inc. is one of the many bus companies that travels the said route.

Travellers can take air-conditioned buses in going to Batangas City. Those who want to go to Nasugbu, Calatagan and Lian towns (Matabungkay) can pass via the Tagaytay route.

When driving one's own vehicle to Tanauan-Lipa-Batangas City, travelers will pass through the South Luzon Expressway, then the STAR Tollway and can just follow the directional signs along the highway.

Getting Around

You can use passenger jeepneys to go to different parts of the province, but you can use tricycles for short trips. Tricycles could take you to the exact place that you want to go because jeepneys have routes like buses do. However, tricycles are small and cramped, and could only comfortably accommodate three passengers (2 if the passenger is over six feet tall).

Nearest accommodations in San Sebastian Church:

• Monti's Place Dine & Bed - Brgy. Paraiso, Balintawak, Lipa, Batangas, Batangas, Philippines
• Anfa Royale Hotel - Barangay San Carlos, LIPA CITY, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
• Hotel ni Mang Jose - Ayala Hi-way, Balintawak, Lipa City, Batangas, Batangas, Philippines
• Hotel La Corona de Lipa - Kilometer 84 President J.P. Laurel Hi-way, Pilahan, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
• Hotel Cara - JP Laurel Ayala Highway, Lipa, Batangas, Batangas, Philippines