If you have a heart for Catholicism, you should visit one of the best churches in Manila. These churches include Padre Pio Church, Basilica of San Sebastian, Christ the King Parish Church, and St. Augustine Church of Paoay. These churches are all worth seeing, but you should plan your visit accordingly.
Padre Pio Church
The Padre Pio Church is located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and is one of the most popular Catholic churches in the country. It is dedicated to a stigmatist priest named Padre Pio. It is constructed of stone, wood and bamboo. The church’s interior and exterior are decorated with Philippine tropical designs. Its walls are covered with Sasa grass. The Padre Pio Church is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the country.
The Padre Pio Church is a major religious landmark and is easily accessible. It is also a popular wedding venue. Another popular church is the Tanuan Church of St. John the Evangelist, which was rebuilt in 1946 and is now protected by the National Historical Institute.
St. Augustine Church of Paoay
Built by the Augustinian friars in 1694, the St. Augustine Church of Paoai is a World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the Philippines. Its Gothic and Baroque designs are complemented by elements of Oriental architecture. The church’s facade and gables are decorated with Chinese and Javanese influences.
The church’s bell tower is a notable feature, standing about two and a half meters high. It was used as an observation post by the Katipuneros during the 1896 revolution, and by the Filipino guerillas during World War II. The church was damaged in earthquakes in 1885 and 1865, but it was restored several times. Archaeologists also uncovered the remains of a prehistoric human skeleton and ceramic fragments from the church’s bell tower.
Visitors are encouraged to take time to visit the church to appreciate the beauty of its interiors. Its distinctive architecture makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is an outstanding example of Earthquake Baroque architecture. The church was built in a way to resist the destructive effects of earthquakes, and features Javanese and European influences in its design.
Basilica of San Sebastian
The Basilica of San Sebastian, also known as the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian, is located in Manila, Philippines. It is a church and a shrine of Nuestra Senora del Monte Carmelo. The church has a beautiful and peaceful environment, and the interior is rich in history and art.
The San Sebastian Basilica was constructed in 1891 and designed by Spanish architect Genaro Palacios. It is one of the few buildings in the Philippines with neo-gothic design, and is owned by the Order of the Augustinian Recollects. A team of mixed nationalities was involved in the construction process, and it is now one of the country’s most beautiful churches.
The Basilica of San Sebastian is located at the eastern end of Claro M. Recto Street in Quiapo, Manila. It is under the care of the Augustinian Recollects, which also operate a college adjacent to the basilica.
Christ the King Parish Church
The Cathedral of Christ the King is one of the most beautiful churches in Manila. Its design has been inspired by the miracle of the Feeding of the 5,000. Its interior has a simple but elegant design with an emphasis on the cross and space. The church is an ideal setting for a wedding or memorial service.
The church is a 400-year-old structure that draws inspiration from different architectural styles. Its exteriors resemble Spanish Renaissance and Baroque styles. The church also has Doric columns. Located in the San Sebastian neighborhood, this church is a national historical landmark.
Our Lady of the Abandoned
Our Lady of the Abandoned is a Roman Catholic church in Marikina, Philippines, that enshrines a striking image of the Virgin Mary. This image has papal recognition. The church has also been the site of non-secular controversy. Jesuits and Augustinians fought over the parish’s ecclesiastical management.
You can virtually visit the cathedral by using Google Maps. Google Maps has a feature called Street View that allows you to explore places from any angle. Just open the web version of the map and type in your destination. Once you have the location, drag Pegman to the location on the map.
The church was built by Augustinian friars in 1572. Later on, the Jesuits established a mission in Marikina and built a chapel in Jesus dela Pena. In 1687, the Catholic church was rebuilt in Marikina’s current location. It was built to stabilize the Augustinian ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the area.