Binondo Church - Manila

Located in the District of Binondo in Manila, Binondo Church is an old church built during the Spanish Colonial era of the Philippines.

Binondo Church

Binondo Church History

Also known as Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, the church was built sometime in 1596 and was under the Dominican Order. The church was founded with the goal of converting the increasing population of Chinese traders and providing religious guidance to the people living in the area called Extramuros or outside of the wall. The "wall" of course refers to Intramuros.

Binondo Church / Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz

Binondo Church interior

Binondo Church altar

Check out the paintings on the ceiling

The left side of the Binondo Church interior

The right side of the Binondo Church interior

Binondo Church interior as seen from the altar

The original church was built using wood as its primary material. A bigger church was constructed to what is now its present site sometime in the 18th century. In 1778, the termite-infested wood was replaced with nipa. The church sustained minor damages during the earthquake of 1863. Improvements to the church like the dome were built in 1781 and the current granite walls, octagonal bell tower, and facade in 1852.

The beautiful Binondo Church altar

statues of saints line up the sides of the church interior

During the centuries that it served as a sanctuary to its parishioners, the church itself was subjected to the wrath of nature and man several times. It was damaged during the 1863 earthquake, burnt during the 1872 British invasion, and bombed by the Americans during the Second World War. 

After the war, the parishioners had to make do with a roofless church until it was rebuilt sometime in the 1950s. Binondo Church had been reconstructed and renovated many times due to its battle with time. Today, only the bell tower is what remains of its original 16th-century structure. 

A bit of history for Binondo Church

Binondo Church NHI marker

I got to visit Binondo Church during my Binondo walking tour (well actually I was heading to Divisoria to buy some stuff). Overall, the church retained its classic architecture despite its recent facelift. For those heading to Binondo and Divisoria (esp. the Catholics), I do suggest that you spend a few minutes of your time visiting this historic church and offer a simple prayer.

Binondo Church Entrance Fee

It's FREE to enter Binondo Church to explore it and its grounds.

Binondo Church Mass Schedule

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
05:30 AM - 06:30 AM Tagalog	06:00 AM - 06:45 AM English	06:00 AM - 06:45 AM English	06:00 AM - 06:45 AM English	06:00 AM - 06:45 AM English	06:00 AM - 06:45 AM English	06:00 AM - 06:45 AM English
07:00 AM - 08:00 AM English	06:45 AM - 07:30 AM English	06:45 AM - 07:30 AM English	06:45 AM - 07:30 AM English	06:45 AM - 07:30 AM English	06:45 AM - 07:30 AM English	06:45 AM - 07:30 AM English
08:30 AM - 09:30 AM Tagalog	07:30 AM - 08:15 AM English	07:30 AM - 08:15 AM English	07:30 AM - 08:15 AM English	07:30 AM - 08:15 AM English	07:30 AM - 08:15 AM English	07:30 AM - 08:15 AM English
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM English	08:15 AM - 09:00 AM English	08:15 AM - 09:00 AM English	08:15 AM - 09:00 AM English	08:15 AM - 09:00 AM English	08:15 AM - 09:00 AM English	08:15 AM - 09:00 AM English
04:00 PM - 05:00 PM English	12:15 PM - 01:00 PM English	12:15 PM - 01:00 PM English	12:15 PM - 01:00 PM English	12:15 PM - 01:00 PM English	12:15 PM - 01:00 PM English	12:15 PM - 01:00 PM English
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM Tagalog	05:30 PM - 06:00 PM English	05:30 PM - 06:00 PM English	05:30 PM - 06:30 PM Tagalog	05:30 PM - 06:00 PM English	05:30 PM - 06:00 PM English	05:30 PM - 06:00 PM English
07:00 PM - 08:00 PM English

Why visit Binondo Church?

Binondo Church is one of the most beautiful Spanish-colonial era churches in Manila. It is a must-visit if you are on a pilgrimage or Visita Iglesia in or around Manila.

Getting to Binondo Church:

Ride a jeepney marked Divisoria. It will pass in front of the church. The fare depends on where you boarded. Estimated fare 9 -15 pesos.

Ratings: 

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating