The Dumaguete Belfry

One of the most historical spots here in Dumaguete is the bell tower.
In the year 1811 when Dumaguete was a place whose inhabitants were always threatened by Muslim marauders in search of slaves, the Bell Tower was then built to forewarn the locals of any incoming danger. It remains to be the oldest bell tower in Visayas.  The Dumaguete Belfry is the oldest known Belfry in the province of Dumaguete. The belfry is standing next to the majestic St Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral.

Located along the main Perdices Street right next to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral fronting the Rizal Park, it is an imposing stone structure that certainly calls for the attention of many passers-by. Because of its antiquity and authenticity it may well look out of place in the midst of the city’s modern day activities. But although it has been restored and given some additions over the years like the garden and grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at its base, it has retained its ancient look right down to the now moss covered exterior walls.

Also a new addition is the small boutique cum souvenir shop, only just a few steps away from the tower, which sells all sorts of religious icons, spiritual reading materials, rosary beads, candles and other related stuff. This is just one of the evidences of the strong influence that the Spaniards had made on the Filipinos during their regime. A great majority of the city’s population is deeply Catholic, the very religion that Spain brought into our country.