San Sebastian Cathedral

San Sebastian Cathedral, also known as Tarlac Cathedral, is the Roman Catholic cathedral in Tarlac City, Tarlac Province, Philippines. Located on F. Tañedo Street in Barangay Mabini, it serves as the seat of the Diocese of Tarlac. Originally established as a parish in 1686 by Augustinian missionaries, the present structure reflects post-World War II reconstruction. Notable for its simple façade, bell tower, and central religious role, it is a key heritage and pilgrimage site in Central Luzon.

Visitors can expect a central urban cathedral with a simple, light-colored façade, a prominent bell tower, and a spacious nave with religious images including Saint Sebastian. The interior is used for daily Mass and prayer, with pews, altars, and stained glass. The cathedral sits along a busy city street near the Tarlac City Plazuela, surrounded by commercial areas and accessible plazas. The atmosphere is quiet and reverent inside, with opportunities for sightseeing, photography of the exterior, and observing local religious practices.

The parish of San Sebastian was established in 1686 by Augustinian missionaries. The original church underwent several reconstructions and was destroyed during World War II. The present structure was rebuilt in the post-war period. On February 16, 1963, the church was elevated to a cathedral when the Diocese of Tarlac was canonically erected, making it the ecclesiastical seat for the province.

As the cathedral of the Diocese of Tarlac, it is the central place of Roman Catholic worship in the province and dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Tarlac City. It hosts major liturgical celebrations, feasts on January 20, and community religious events, serving as an important cultural and spiritual landmark for residents.