The pivot of this tour is Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. Although it did not become an independent town until the late 1700s, Tagbilaran's harbor, sheltered by the neighboring island Panglao, favored its development as a trading center. Tagbilaran is a small city and its heritage sites can be visited on foot.

Cathedral of San José

The present cathedral of Tagbilaran traces to a church built by Fr. Valero de San Pascual, OAR (1839-55), the bell tower to Fr. Jose Sanchez, OAR (1884-88). The church was improved by Fr. Escolastico Enciso from 1888-94. It replaced a smaller church built by the Jesuits which burnt on 23 December 1798. The convento was built by Fr. Lucas Corominas in 1872.

Tagbilaran started as visita of Baclayon becoming an independent parish in 1767. Then under the Jesuits, administration transferred to the Recollects the following year when the Jesuits were expelled from the Philippines.

Both exterior and interior of the church have been greatly renovated, the façade has been given a Neoromanesque look, and the lateral walls have been opened to accommodate a growing population. Boholanos are very religious and one of the highest percentage of church attendance is recorded in Bohol. Churches are always full. Part of recent renovation involved building a Blessed Sacrament chapel which is open 24 hours a day. This devotion has spurred the construction of other chapels in different parishes. Some are attached to the walls of historic structures, others are built in former baptisteries. Others are independent structures apart from the church.

Heritage Features: Despite frequent renovations, some historic pieces still remain. Apparently, side altars from an older church were saved, because the two remaining in the church are in the 18^th century Baroque style. The central altar, decorated with symbols from the Old Testament is in the 19^th century Neoclassical style. The statue of San Jose, the patron of the church is apparently of 18^th century vintage. The church has a good collection of ancient church documents, including a fragment of an 18^th century Visayan dictionary.

Plaza

The plaza between the cathedral and municipal hall retains its function as the city's meeting place. In the evenings the plaza is busy with people. The plaza has been remodelled a number of times. A cement kiosk traces to the early 20th century while mushroom-like shelters are said to have been designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, a native of Bohol.

Capitol

The Provincial Capitol bears traces of an older building, the casa real, built during Spanish times.

Public Library

The present municipal library, beside the capitol, was the escuela pia, a primary school built during the Spanish period. The structure is one story rectangle, built of cut coral. The entrance to the library is in the center of the building. The portal is flanked by equidistant windows. The library had a wooden floor which has since been replaced by cement.

Bohol Museum

Bohol Museum is located in the residence of Pres. Carlos Garcia (president 1957-60). Aside from presidential memorabilia, the museum features archaeological finds from Bohol, religious artifacts, collections of Bohol's fauna and other historical artifacts.

Rocha Residence

Near the Crossway Bridge linking Tagbilaran with Panglao Island are two houses owned by the Rocha family. José Maria Rocha was a mayor of Tagbilaran. One of the houses, renovated and repaired, still belongs to a descendant of the family. An older house, at the foot of the hill where the catherdal is built has been sold, but may still be seen from the outside. This house is said to be 200 years old, although a wing where the kitchen is found has the date 1830 enscribed.

Heritage Features: The 200 year old house is a primitive example of the bahay na bato. A lower story of coral stone supports an upper floor of roughly hewn lumber. The stairway leading to the upper floor is found at one side of the structure and leads to a massive door decorated with star-shaped metal studs. The sala has a hemispherical dome with a cutout border decorating the drum. The dining and kitchen areas form a T with the rest of the house and may have been built much later, ca. 1830.

Bo-ol

About three kilometers east of Tagbilaran is a historical marker commemorating the blood compact between the local chieftain Sikatuna and the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.