Visita Iglesia in Manila: Finding Inner Peace
Millions of Filipino families plan ahead their itinerary in observance of the Holy Week. One of the most common practices, Visita Iglesia (Church Visit) has been observed among many Filipino Catholics since Spanish Colonialism. One can take this kind of spiritual journey any time of the year to appreciate and discover the beauty and the history of the Churches of Manila.
We have mapped and listed 9 beautiful churches you and your family can conveniently visit by car or by foot.
1. Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora De Guia
Ermita Church houses the oldest Marian image of Immaculate Conception known as Nuestra Señora De Guia. In spite of the multiple reconstruction of the Church due to earthquakes and war, the historical Marian image was safely kept and was placed temporarily in a private residence. In 1953, image was returned after the completion of the reconstruction.
Location:Ermita, Manila
Common Name:Ermita, Church
2. Immaculate Conception Parish Church of San Agustin
Apart from being called as Wedding Capital of the Philippines, San Agustin Church is named as one of UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Its majestic architecture is greatly inspired by the temples built by the Augustinians in Mexico. No wonder that this place has become a tourist’s bucket list when inside the Walled City.
Location:Intramuros, Manila
Common Name:San Agustin Church
3. Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica
From San Agustin Church, take a 5 minute stroll to Sto Tomas Street. The vastness and majesty of Manila Cathedral will leave you captivated. The Church had withstand several calamities and wars that resulted to a total of 8 reconstruction. The Church has its own pipe organ which was overhauled with the help of Diego Cera Organ Builders, Inc. of Las Piñas.
Location:Intramuros, Manila
Common Name:Manila Cathedral
4. National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels
Located in Malacañang Complex, San Miguel Church is the only shrine in the whole world dedicated to seven archangels. The Shrine was designed to give tribute to archangels and let devotees get to know about them. It is believed that the there is an assigned Archangel to a person according to the day of his birth: St. Michael – Sunday; St. Gabriel – Monday; St. Raphael – Tuesday; St. Uriel – Wednesday; St. Sealtiel – Thursday; St. Jhudiel – Friday; St. Barachiel - Saturday
Location:San Miguel, Manila (Malacañang Complex)
Common Name:San Miguel Church
5. National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus
Just a few blocks away from San Miguel Church, this Parish is widely known for its Thursday novena service. This parish is one of the early parishes established for the Chinese community in Manila. The Parish is known for many devotees reviewing for board examination, and with “seemingly hopeless problems”.
Location:San Miguel, Manila
Common Name:St. Jude Parish
6. Basílica Menor de San Sebastián
As you exit the Malacañang Complex, San Sebastian Church welcomes you with its unique and all steel features that was said to have started the revival of Gothic architecture in the Philippines. History noted that the prefabricated steel sections were ship from Belgium. Its construction was supervised by Belgian engineers and was completed in 1890.
Location:Quaipo, Manila
Common Name:San Sebastian Church
7. Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
Quiapo Church is known as the home of the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Jesus Christ who devotees believe to be miraculous. According to records, this statue was brought during the Spanish Galleon in the 17th Century.
Location:Quaipo, Manila
Common Name:Quiapo Church
8. Immaculate Conception Parish Church of Santa Cruz
Take a walk and be greeted with a vast of Tiangges outside Quiapo Church and little do you know you will arrive at Sta. Cruz Church. This is the first Catholic Church built in the area by the Jesuits. The Jesuits had enshrined an image of Our Lady of Pilar for the Chinese residents in the area.
Location:Sta. Cruz, Manila
Common Name:Sta. Cruz Church
9. Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
Enter the Arch just across the Sta. Cruz Church, and walk along Ongpin St, until you reach Binondo Church. The Church gives honor to the country’s First Saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, a Filipino-Chinese martyr who refused to renounce his religion in spite of the tortures received from the brutal hands of non-Christians.
Location:Binondo, Manila
Common Name:Binondo Church
After a day of visits and reflection, we welcome you and your family to a relaxing staycation in Manila. Inquire now to avail our Best Room Rate and Package for the month. For more information or reservations, contact us at 8588-6888. You may also reach us via our Social Media Pages.
