San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila
Manila, Philippines — San Agustin Church, also known as the Immaculate Conception Parish, is a Roman Catholic Church in Intramuros in Manila. The church is known to be the oldest church made up of stone in the country. San Agustin Church stands tough after surviving two fires, several earthquakes, and a world war that flattened almost the entire Intramuros.
The massive Façade hides things of huge cultural and historical importance. The church is a part of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It is like a paradise for the admirers of ancient culture and history.
San Agustin Church History
During the Spanish golden era, the colonizers had missioned to spread Catholicism in the Philippines. Therefore, a place of worship needed to be established for the propagation of Christianity. As a result, many churches were built in the country to let Christianity bloom and flourish.
The Church of San Agustin was one of them. Like other churches during that time, San Agustin was also made from local materials. It was constructed using bamboo and nipa in 1571. Due to invasion by the Crusaders, natural disasters, and earthquakes, the church had to be rebuilt three times in 1571, 1575, and 1586. But it was only in 1607 that the official completion of the church’s construction was declared. Still, it remains the oldest church in the country of the Philippines.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Immaculate Conception Parish in Intramuros, Manila, was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO under the collective title of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
- The church is highly appreciated for its European Baroque-style architecture by the craftsmen of China and the Philippines.
- Immaculate Conception Parish is a remarkable example of a colonial church with Baroque architecture.
- The church’s building inhibits resistance to seismic activities caused by the country’s geological conditions. The toughness comes from the stone used for the construction of the church.
- The fusion of European design and construction using organic materials can be spotted in the bell tower. The bell tower is attached to the main structure of the church.
- Being the oldest church in the country has witnessed multiple events, such as earthquakes, natural disasters, and two world wars.
- San Agustin’s museum houses a precious collection of Spanish artifacts, statues, church ornaments, and paintings.
- The church’s contribution to the nationhood of the Philippines is highly valued and inscribes itself in the country’s history.
How to Get There
- A city tour is the easiest way to visit the church as it is always included in tour packages covering Intramuros.
- If someone wants to visit the church independently without any time restriction, then the church is easily accessible by foot from Manila City Hall.
- The nearest train station is Central Terminal on LRT1.
New Normal Guidelines and Requirements
San Agustin Museum and Cultural Center is now open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Entrance fee is still P200 for adults and P160 for students, PWDs, seniors, and frontliners.
San Agustin Church Manila Mass Schedule
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 am, 7:00 am, 5:30 pm
- Saturday – 7:00 am, 5:30 pm (anticipated mass)
- Sunday – 8:00 am (children’s mass), 10:00 am, 6:00 pm
Feast Day: August 28
Address: General Luna St, Manila City, Metro Manila.
Contact Number: (632) 527-2746 / 527-4061
Want more updates about UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also Read:
- Intramuros Walking Tour: Re-discover Manila’s Old World Charm
- The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila
- A Pilgrimage to Lourdes
- Travel Guide: San Agustin, Romblon
- St. John’s Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur