The church of Carcar, situated on an elevated plain with a commanding view of the town, is one of the few well-built stone churches in Cebu. The harmonious design and the careful layout of the church itself are obviously the works of a lettered architect or planner.

Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, a legendary 4th century scholar and martyr, the church was built by the Augustinians between 1860-1875 and features various influences including Islamic and Graeco-Roman. Islamic influences are evident in the massive recessed arch above the main entrance and the openings or the windows of the twin belfries while Graeco-Roman traces can best be appreciated at the main altar reredo which features Greek columns, a Roman arch and a gabled pediment.

The main altar reredo is still basically the original which dates back to the 19th-century although certain parts of it like the lower portion have been covered with what looks like plywood or perhaps a thin layer of cement. The covered portions of the retablo can be viewed from the back by standing at the door to the sacristy. A closer inspection however reveals that such contemporary modifications can still be reversed.

Photos below: (1) A vintage photo showing the retablo in its most original form; (2) The retablo today with the covered lower portion.

A vintage photo shows a large crucifix occupying the main niche although today it is occupied by a statue of St. Catherine. Two smaller niches made of light materials, a contemporary addition, flank both sides of it and are each occupied with the images of St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Symbols that are attributed to St. Catherine such as the breaking wheel and the initials SC are carved in low relief in certain parts of the retablo.

Below: The pediment topped with carved statues of a blindfolded woman carrying a chalice in her left hand, an angel, and another woman.

Below: Details of the carved bas-relieves.