Manila Cathedral - Manila

Located at Plaza de Roma, inside the walled city (district) of Intramuros in Manila, Manila Cathedral is currently one of the two Spanish Colonial era churches found in Intramuros. It also serves as the see of the Archbishop of Manila. 

Manila Cathedral - Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Manila Cathedral History

Informally known and called as Manila Cathedral, it is actually named Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Like what the name suggests, the cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was established sometime in 1571 by a secular priest named Juan de Vivero. 

Manila Cathedral - Intramuros, Manila

The 7th Cathedral 1879 - 1945

Manila Cathedral facade

NHC Historical marker for Manila Cathedral

Some of the saint statues outside the cathedral are St. Rose of Lima (not in picture), St. Jacob the great (not in photo), St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Francis Xavier, St. Polycarp, St. Anthony Abbot

The altar of Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral Belfry marker

The tympanum with inscriptions at the main door

Manila Cathedral interior

In its centuries of existence, Manila Cathedral has been damaged, destroyed, and rebuilt eight times. The first structure was built using nipa, wood, and bamboo. It was destroyed by fire in 1583. The second cathedral was built using stone in 1592 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1600. The third cathedral was built in 1614 but was destroyed again by an earthquake in 1645 the same as the fourth cathedral that was built from 1654 and lasted until 1671 and also the fifth which was built in 1750 and was destroyed by a very strong earthquake in 1863. The sixth cathedral was immediately built but was also destroyed by another earthquake in 1880. During that earthquake, the bell tower was toppled leaving the cathedral "towerless" until 1958. It was the seventh cathedral that broke the "earthquake curse". It was constructed from 1870 to 1879. It survived Mother Nature's wrath for almost 70 years only to succumb to war in 1945. It was reduced to rubble by the intense American bombardment during the Battle of Manila.

Pieta replica

The present cathedral was constructed from 1954 to 1958. Pope Paul VI made an apostolic visit and celebrated mass in the cathedral in 1970 so did Pope Francis during his 2015 Papal visit.

The baptismal font inside the baptistry that is dedicated to St. John the Baptist

Check out the beautiful stained glass windows 

The pulpit of Manila Cathedral

Statue of St. Peter inside Manila Cathedral

Chapel of St. Jude inside Manila Cathedral

To avoid another "earthquake disaster", Manila Cathedral underwent repairs for earthquake retrofitting in 2012 and was finished in 2014. 

An image of Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buenaviaje

Manila Cathedral - Intramuros, Manila

Manila Cathedral Mass Schedule:

Here's the Mass schedule in Manila Cathedral in case you plan to attend mass in Manila Cathedral. 

• Mondays to Fridays – 7:30 AM and 12:10 PM.
• Saturdays – 7:30 AM ONLY.
• Sundays – 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Manila Cathedral Admission Fee:

It's good to note the you can enter and explore Manila Cathedral for FREE. 

Why visit Manila Cathedral?

Manila Cathedral was one of the destinations that I have visited during my Intramuros Walking Tour. Overall, I would say that this cathedral is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Philippines. It is a must-visit, so I suggest that you include it in your itinerary when you are visiting the walled city of Intramuros. 

Getting to Manila Cathedral:

Ratings:  

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall ratings