Cathedral of San Sebastian, Lipa, Batangas

Construction of San Sebastian Church on its present site began in 1732 and ended in 1790. It was constructed from rough-hewn, rectangular stone and has a six-storey octagonal bell tower which rests on a rectangular base and tapers gradually to the cupola on top. The church suffered massive damage during the Second World War and underwent intensive renovation afterwards. It was constructed in the Romanesque tradition with a big circular dome, giant walls and columns, balconies, and arches. Standing proudly in front of the church is a bell tower, which, like the dome, is decorated with moldings. The Main Hall is surrounded by a series of arches. The carefully arranged pews form a sea of wooden linear pattern that lies underneath the chandeliers, illuminating the church. The aisle dividing the pews lead to the altar, bathing in the spotlight provided by the clerestory of the dome above. The ceiling — including the pendentives and intrados — is painted with images of saints.