Philippine Tourism News

The San Agustin Church has withstand the test of time and has witness and nursed the people’s faith through centuries of trials like the two World wars and several disasters. The San Agustin Church is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under the classification “Baroque Churches of the Philippines”. San Agustin Church was one of the four churches constructed during the Spanish period. In 1976, This church is also named as the National Landmark by the Philippine Government.

The church was built by the Agustinians from 1587 to 1604 holds the title of being the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It has survived several disasters that have struck Manila like the bombing during World War II, the series of earthquakes in 1645, 1754, 1852, 1863 and 1880 and the vulgarity of the British occupation in 1762. Through all this, the structure has shielded and protected many lives and has lived up to its reputation as a sanctuary.

San Agustin Church boasts of a stone vault and nave. The church’s vaulted ceiling and dome are painted by Italian painters Alberoni and Dibella. The paintings seem to be three-dimensional and simulates reality. The church also take pride in its 19th century glass chandeliers which remained untarnished up to this day. With San Agustin Church’s polychrome pulpit, the church can claim that it has the best pulpit in the country. The retablo is an interesting mixture of Gothic, Classical and Baroque influence. The choir loft lodges a remarkable pipe organ that is three times bigger than the famous bamboo organ of Las Pinas. The pipe organ has undergone restoration in 1814 and after World War II. The left side of the altar bears the tomb of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, Manila’s founder. The church’s flooring also has tombstones and epitaphs and has already become part of the historical church.

The San Agustin Church is undoubtedly full of history and remains one of the few jewels of the past. It is one of the popular destination here in Manila for any visitor who are very interested in the country’s history and culture. Throughout the nave and six side chapels are fixtures of great artistic and historical significance.

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