August 14, 2009

Baroque melon

Storm clouds forming over the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first Agustinian church on this site was made of bamboo and nipa and built in 1571. The current church, the third, was built from 1586 to 1607 and designed by the Spanish soldier-architect Juan Macias. The building on the right, which used to be the site of the monastery which was completely destroyed during WWII, is the church museum built in the 1970s. A wedding was about to begin on the day we visited and we couldn't go inside the church. I will have to do so some other time to take photos of its amazing trompe l'oeil ceiling and walls.

San Agustin church and museum

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22 comments:

Lowell said...

It looks beautiful and what a history. I'd like very much to see the interior!

Lois said...

I really like the salmon color on those walls Hilda! I'm posting storm clouds for SkyWatch too.

Louise said...

What a cheerful building against that stormy sky!

Photo Cache said...

Looks like rain. I have vague memory of visiting this church.

Jim said...

Interesting contrast between the bright building and the dark sky.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

James said...

That's my kind of place. I love old churches.

Regina said...

Great shot.
Happy weekend.

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

I love the contrast in color of the two buildings. So much history in these buildings.

Clueless in Boston said...

Great history of the church. I like the looks and color of the church.

slim said...

Fascinating church. I would like to visit all the UNESCO World Heritage sites some day.

Don and Krise said...

You have some amazingly old and historic buildings there. I'm glad you share them with us.

gogouci said...

I really enjoy how you capture and share the diversity of building architecture and design in Manila. Always a pleasure to view your posts.

VP said...

It seems that many of our buildings share a similar fate of destruction and rebirth. This one is very simple and beautiful and that color is the same of many old churches here. Now it's my turn to ask for a view of the interior.

penny said...

This wonderful church has a very long history and interesting history, Hilda. Just to think that the first one was built out of bamboo in 1571 is amazing.
From small beginnings, big things grow...

Al said...

Yes you are so right! And it has survived several catastrophes and still standing mighty and proud.
Thanks for sharing.

AL

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Hilda: Truly a beautiful church going into the sky.

B SQUARED said...

Can't wait to see the inside.

Carol said...

Nice shot of these two beautiful buildings...would love to see the inside...enjoyed the info..

Halcyon said...

What a beautiful church. The color is really a big contrast to the building next to it.

Cezar and Léia said...

Oh Hilda, this baroque Church is absolutely lovely with this soft romantic colour!Waiting for the inside part!
Have a nice weekend dear friend,
Léia :)

Jane Hards Photography said...

Love to see the different shades in the architecture. That sky looks like it can't quite make up it's mine what to do.

George said...

I'm looking forward to seeing more of this church when you have the chance to get inside. The building is certainly a cheery contrast to the gray clouds overhead.