Philippine Tourism News

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is one of the Philippine church heritage which is located in Cebu City. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño was formerly known as San Agustin Church before its standing was raised to basilica minore. It is a 16th century church that was built on the exact spot where the image of the Santo Niño was found by Spanish conquistadors in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind during Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition in 1521. It is Under the care of the Agustinian order.

In 1566, the first church was built by Fr. Diego de Herrera using wood and nipa. It was later destroyed by fire. It was reconstructed in 1605 by Fr. Pedro Torres but was again burned in 1628. It was replaced by Fr. Juan Medina using the latest innovation at that time which was stone and bricks but the construction was stopped because the structure was found to be defective. In February 29, 1735, Fr. Provincial Bergaño, Governor-General Fernando Valdes, Bishop Manuel Antonio Decio y Ocampo of Cebu and Juan de Albarran Prior of the Santo Niño, started the foundations of the present church, using lime stone. Nearby parishes helped a lot during the construction. During the fourth centennial celebration of the Christianization of the Philippines, the church underwent a major restoration.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño has a facade that is a blending of Muslim, Romanesque and neo-classical features. It is preserved in its original stone texture and natural color. The church’s bel tower serves as a counterbalance to the convent that is located on the other side of the church. It has two blind and open windows alternating in shape, ending up in triangular pinnacles with a circular disc crowned by balusters and a spherical dome of Muslim influence. The church’s focal point is the arched entrance that is balanced by rectangular corners and is capped with a double-edged triangular pediment.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño also has a museum that is located at the basement of the Pilgrim’s Center. It is home to the various vestments of the Santo Niño that are of 17th and 18th century style and design. Valuable jewelries of the Santo Niño are also on displayed here. The jewelries, including rings and necklaces, are gifts of the devotees that are offered to the Santo Niño for his use during his feast. Antique objects can also be found here like century-old furnitures, religious relics and statues, priest’s vestments and a collection of calices, patenas, ciborium and venajeras.

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