FIVE MUST-SEE HISTORIC CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Global Property Portal Lamudi Explores the Five Must-See Churches in the Philippines

AUGUST 2014: Being the only country in Asia predominantly Roman Catholic, countless churches and cathedrals that date back to the Spanish colonial era can be seen in various parts of the country. These churches not only represent the Catholic Church, but also embody a sense of magnificence and splendor due to their intricate architecture, sturdy foundation, and idyllic atmosphere.

Leading property portal Lamudi presents five of the oldest and most beautiful Churches in the country.

1. QUIAPO CHURCH Manila. Also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Parish of Saint John the Baptist, this famous Church is venerated as being the home of the Black Nazarene - a life sized statue of Jesus Christ that is said to have miraculous powers.  The Church has been burnt and repaired several times until Fr. Magdaleno Castillo ordered Filipino artist Juan Nakpil to reconstruct it in its final and current architecture in 1933.

John Brian Silverio / Flickr

2. SANTO NINO BASILICA Cebu. Considered as the older Church in the country, it is believed that the Basilica was built on the spot where a statue of Santo Nino de Cebu was found inside a wooden box by a Spanish soldier in 1565. It was also burnt down several times until its final reconstruction ordered by Spanish governor Fernando Valdes Y Tamon in 1735. The Church was built using hard stone and bricks for a stronger and steadier foundation. In 1764, a convent and library were built.

shankar s. / Flickr

3. BAGUIO CATHEDRAL Baguio. Officially known as the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, the Church was estimated to have been built in 1920, and was completed in 1936 – more than a sesquidecade! It has a distinct architecture and features a pink façade, stained glass windows, and twin spires. Because of its unique look, it has become one of Baguio’s most popular tourist attractions.

Lendl Peralta / Flickr

4. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH Intramuros. This Church is the oldest stone Church in the Philippines, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1589 by Augustinian missionaries, its architecture is distinctly baroque, complemented by a grand pipe organ, huge chandeliers from Paris, the dimensional carvings, and trompe l’oeil paintings done by Spanish artists.  The Church is also considered as the “Wedding Capital of the Philippines” because of its romantic atmosphere.

Thom Watson / Flickr

5. MANILA CATHEDRAL Intramuros. Known as the Mother of All Churches and the Seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, this Cathedral was built in 1579. Just like other Churches and Parishes in the country, it was damages several times due to fire and bombings. It stands at the Plaza de Roma inside the famous Walled City.

ronrag / Flickr