Dumaguete City, is the capital and the largest city of the province of Negros Oriental. It is nicknamed ‘The City of Gentle People’ and referred as a university town because of the presence of four universities and a great number of other colleges where student from other provinces enrol. The city is also a tourist attraction to many foreigners, particularly Europeans.

It has a rich history and one will have a glimpse of the past which becomes the foundation of its present society. The Dumaguete Belfry is one of the most significant landmarks where one can explore the history of Dumaguete, it was built in 1811 to give warning to the townsfolk of the frequent marauding attacks from the Muslim pirates on the coastal town.

One can take a look of its worn out stone wall where you cannot help but imagine of the 200 years that the bell tower had gone through. It’s interesting to see that the belfry and cathedral is located at the center of the town which makes it the center of attraction and really stands out.

The tower is more than 200 years old, that’s why it gone through several restorations and given some additions which features the original structure of the site such as the Grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the alluring garden at its base. Due to these additions, the belfry retained its original look.

Aside from the original structures that have been added, there is also a new addition on the belfry and it’s the small boutique cum souvenir shop which is just a few steps away from the tower.

Beside the bell tower is the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral and in front of it, is Rizal Park. Its antiquity and authenticity is just perfect and not out of place in the midst of the city’s modern activities. Due to its propinquity to the public city market and the downtown area, traffic near the area becomes heavy at rush hour.

A lot of people are always packed in the area milling about near its base. Many devotees are lighting candles regularly at the grotto area to assert their faith and say their prayers. Some are just curious and pays a visit.

The Dumaguete Belfry, is a place that attracts people because of the beauty that surrounds it. One will have a sense of peace and calmness upon visiting it. Tourists or visitors can have a short ascent to the grotto with the statue of the most Holy Virgin Mary. One can also observe the sunset that goes down behind the tower.

A visit in the city is not complete without knowing its rich history. The Dumaguete Belfry is one of the places where one can look back on the rich past that we had. For its historical aspects, beauty and the closeness to other tourist destinations in the area like the Dumaguete Boulevard and historical campuses such as the Siliman University.

Getting There

Philippine Airlines and other domestic carriers fly regularly from Manila to Dumaguete City and vice versa.   Travel time is an hour and a half. One can also travel by ship from Manila to Dumaguete. Travel time is 36 hours.

From Tagbilaran City, Bohol, you can reach the city through the Supercat fast craft in an hour and a half. Fast ferry trips are available daily.

Some of the most popular places in the city that offer accommodations:

• Bether Guest House
• C&L Hotel
• Coco Grande Hotel
• En Route Go Hotel
• Florentina Homes
• Harold’s Mansion
• Honeycomb Tourist Inn
• Hotel Camila
• Hotel Nicanor
• Hotel Palwa
• la Residencia Al Mar
• Obdulia’s Business Inn Hotel
• Royal Suite Inn Hotel
• The Gazebo