9 Churches to Explore in Manila

The original structure of the Binondo Church, formally known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish was constructed in 1596. Founded by Dominican friars, it is one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the Philippines. Most parts of the church was collapsed and the octagonal bell tower, however, is the only significant remaining part of the original structure. It was reconstructed in three phases and completed in 1984 and ti was now one of the key attractions in this area.

Quiapo Church, also known as St.John the Baptist Parish, is located in the District of Quiapo, Manila, and is one of the most famous churches in the Philippines. This Roman Catholic Church houses the venerated statue of Jesus Christ, known as the Black Nazarene and hence the official name, Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. The Church currently belongs to the Archdiocese of Manila.

Malate Church was first built in 1588 and was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios. The statue of Our Lady of Remedies was brought over from Spain in 1624 and continues to stand at the altar to this day. The church is a Baroque-style church overlooking Plaza Rajah Sulayman and ultimately, the Manila Bay.

The Rizal Shrine, located in Fort Santiago, was built in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines ’ national hero. It exhibits various displays of Rizal memorabilia. It contains a reliquary, consisting of one of his vertebrae, and a copy of Mi Ultimo Adios. The museum was built in 1953 and was modernized in 2013. Witness the displays, such as Rizal’s books, hat, medical instruments, coat, even business cards, and much more.

San Agustin Church in Manila should be on the itinerary of anyone with an interest in history or architecture. Located inside the historic Walled City of Intramuros, this Roman Catholic Baroque-style church is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by the Spaniards in the 16th century, the church has survived a major earthquake in 1863 as well as the ravages of World War II.

San Sebastian Basilica dates to 1891and is part of a complex that includes a college (1947) and a seminary and courtyard (the 1950s). This was one of the oldest buildings in this area which was also a historically important place. The site was included in the 1998 World Monuments Watch because of structural threats.

A huge church that was built in 1608. It was strategically located on the outskirts of Chinatown near Binondo to cater to the Chinese converts in Manila. The initial structure of Sta. Cruz Church had been partially damaged by two earthquakes and was completely devastated by the Battle of Manila in 1945 during the Japanese occupation. Now it has a new face and it attracts a lot of peoples here.

The Manila Cathedral-Basilica is the Premier Church of the Philippines because of all the Churches in the archipelago, it was the one chosen to become the Cathedral in 1581 when the Philippines was separated from the Archdiocese of Mexico and became a new diocese with its episcopal seat in Manila.

This is the biggest church in Manila and it is also called as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila. It is also one of the biggest churches in Asia.