Palo Cathedral

Palo Cathedral, formally the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord's Transfiguration, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Palo, Leyte, Philippines. Located about 12 kilometers south of Tacloban City, it serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Palo. Originally established by Jesuits in 1596, the present structure has been rebuilt multiple times after earthquakes and war damage. It is notable for its restored neo-Gothic interior and association with papal visits.

Visitors can expect a large brick and concrete cathedral in the center of Palo town, with a neo-Gothic facade, twin bell towers, and a spacious nave with stained glass, altars and religious imagery. The interior is restored after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The surrounding plaza and grounds are open for walking, photography and quiet reflection. Masses and religious services are held regularly, and visitors can view historical markers and memorials related to the cathedral's history.

Founded by the Jesuits in 1596, the church was originally dedicated to Our Lord's Transfiguration. It was rebuilt by the Augustinians and later Jesuits, damaged by earthquakes and World War II, and restored post-war. It became a cathedral when the Diocese of Palo was created in 1937 and elevated to an archdiocese in 1982. It served as a hospital and refuge during World War II and was extensively repaired after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

As the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Palo, it is the central religious site for Catholics in Leyte. It is an important pilgrimage and liturgical center, known for hosting major ecclesiastical events and papal masses, and is a recognized cultural and historical landmark of Palo municipality.