Porta Mayor: of Wood and Doors

Church dooors have two parts: the porta mayor or the big door which, when opened, will draw the carrozas into the church. The porta minor, postigo, or the small door that’s also known as postern is for the faithful to pass through.

Like many of the Spanish period churches in Cebu, the Porta Mayor of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is made of thick hardwood material and decorated with carvings. The distinctly Chinese symbols of two fu dogs guard each side of the Porta Mayor or main church entrance.