Location: Intramuros, Manila
Marker Installed by the Historical Research and Markers Committee, 1934
I have been meaning to take decent photos of this well-beloved church (hello, World Heritage Site!) , but it has been undergoing major renovations for months now. The last time we visited, it was almost done! They painted a bright orange on the exterior of the church, and it actually looks good (contrary to the green house of the Rizal at Calamba); of course it’s just the same as the former color, but I like this one!
The citation from the Historical Markers is as follows :
Oldest in the Philippines. Cornerstone laid in 1599, Church completed in 1606 under supervision of the lay brother Antonio Herrera, of the Church in Manila, this one alone withstood the earthquake of 1645, 1754, 1852, and 1880. The Choir has 68 carved molave seats. An artistic lectern, and parchment cantorals of the 16th and 17th Centuries. This Church and its graves were profaned during the British Occupation of Manila in 1762, and the ashes of Legazpi, Salcedo, Lavezares, and others now rest in the easternmost chapel of the transept. Terms for the American Occupation of Manila were signed in the vestry of this Church in August, 1898. The First Philippine Plenary Council was held here in 1953. Chosen as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1993.
We weren’t able to take photos inside the church for there was an on-going wedding ceremony. 🙂
Historic Manila 