San Pedro Cathedral is not only the oldest church in Davao City, but also the city's premier historical landmark. It was named after San Pedro (Saint Peter), the patron saint of Davao. The original structure was built in 1847 during the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors, led by Don Jose Uyanguren.
This magnificent Spanish-style architecture with its distinctive modern design frontal-curved solid structure was first built using nipa and bamboo in 1847 and was subsequently rebuilt in wood in the mid 1900s by the late Architect Ramon Basa until it was finally remodelled in concrete in 1964 by Architect Manuel Chiew.
The present design is reflective of the convergence of Christians and Muslims living in Davao City. The frontal-curved roofing was designed to look like the prow of a vinta gliding over waters carrying a Cross at the helm. The vinta represents the Muslim Mindanao and the Cross representing Christianity - who stand united despite differences in beliefs and perhaps ways of life but points toward the glory of God.
San Pedro Cathedral Bell Tower are houses an image of the Pieta, a statue of the sorrowful Blessed Virgin Mary with the dead body of her son, Jesus, on her lap, and the two concrete tablets of the TenCommandments of God.
Masses in the Cathedral are in both English and the Visayan dialect.
refrences: http://enterdavao.blogspot.com/2013/02/san-pedro-cathedral-oldest-and-premier.html
