Carcar ChurchSt. Catherine of Alexandria, Cebu

Carcar ChurchBackground- St. Catherine of

Alexandria Church.- Location: Carcar City,

Cebu- Completed on 1875, 139

years old.- By Fr. Antonio Maglano &

Fr. Manuel Fernandez.- Style/Features: Byzantine

Architecture, Greco-Roman Altar, Twin Bell Towers.

Carcar Church History- Construction:

Began, 1860Continued, 1865Finish, 1875

- The church’s roof was destroyed by a typhoon in 1876.

- The town was frequently visited, burned and looted by Muslim raiders, including the church.

Carcar ChurchPlan- Fronted by the town

plaza.- The style was pattered

after the “Mudejar” in Spain.

- One main nave- 22 meters wide- 12 meters high

- Two aisles

Carcar Church Exterior- wide Greco-Tuscan

façade.- Muslim decorations- Double indented arched

main entrance.- Blind wheel window- Baroque pediment- Patio – surrounded by a

fence of coral stone and wrought iron.

- 12 apostles- Two Muslim – style bell

towers.

Carcar Church Exterior- Church Convent- May 23, 1959, under the

patronage of Visitation of the Virgin.

- Dimensions:- 33 meters front- 22 meters on sides

- It was ruined during the 1876 typhoon.

- Rehabilitated, up to present.

Carcar Church Exterior detailsDetail of ironwork of fence at the front of the church.

Wall and window just outside of the sacristy.

Carcar Church Exterior detailsThe tall windows of the church at its flank.

Detail of coral stones used in building the church.

Carcar Church Exterior detailsSome of the busts of the 12 apostles atop the fence.

Carcar Church archival photo probably 1950s-60s

Carcar Church Interior

Features:- Neo-Classic retablo mayor.- Central niche: Image of Sta. Catalina

De Alexandria.- Framing: Pair of Corinthian columns

& elaborately decorated arch.- Pediment w/ SC.- Carve images of Sun and the Moon.- Urn-like Finials.- Letters represents Jesus.- Relief of a land.- Images of Mary & Joseph.- Two doors w/ triangular pediment.- Symbol of Papacy & Augustinian

Orders.- Images of Sacred Heart of Jesus &

Immaculate heart of Mary.

Carcar Church Interior- The interior of the church

is embellished with a coffered ceiling.

- The arcade separating the nave form the aisle by carved cherub heads.

- Altar is Neo-Classical.

Carcar Church Interior detailsThe image of the Blessed Virgin Mary .

The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Carcar Church Interior detailsAnother detail found at left side of altar.

Another detail found at ride side of altar.

Carcar Church Interior detailsA finial decorating the pediment of the retablo mayor.

Detail of retablo mayor pediment.

Carcar Church Interior detailsThe moon, a common symbol found in many Augustinian built churches .

The sun, another common symbol found in many Augustinian built churches .

Carcar Church Interior detailsDetail of retablo mayor just below the central Aniche . Letters Jesus & Relief of a land.

Carcar Church Interior detailsDetail of the carving atop the retablo mayor pediment.

Central niche bearing the image of Sta. Catalina de Alexandria.

Carcar Church Interior detailsDetails found at ride side of altar.

Details found at ride side of altar.

Carcar Church Interior detailsThe neoclassical retablo of Carcar Church is notable for its details and symbols.

Another view of the retablo without the printed tarpaulins hiding the details above the curtained doors.

Carcar Church Interior detailsThe steps leading to the central niche. Coffered ceiling

--end of presentation----salamuch!--