June 13, 2009
Archdiocese, cathedral, basilica
The cathedral of the Archdiocese of Manila, known by all as the Manila Cathedral, is located in Intramuros. It is the sixth cathedral to rise on the site since 1581. The first cathedral, made of bamboo and nipa, was built after Pope Gregory XIII issued a papal bull in 1579 creating the Diocese of Manila under the Archbishopric of Mexico. In 1595, Pope Clement VIII elevated the diocese into an archdiocese. The cathedral at the time, the third structure, was described as having "three naves and seven chapels" and seems to have been the design followed in its next three reconstructions. The present church was built after WWII, from 1954 to 1958. In 1981, Pope John Paul II honored the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral by declaring it a minor basilica and it now also retains the title of "Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception." The plaza with the fountain in front of the cathedral is called "Plaza de Roma" which I will feature in a separate post.
Very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the history of the cathedral.
Great church with an interesting story, the building looks older than half a century, and this is obviously intended as a compliment. Even the square looks beautiful, and it has to be with such an imposing name.
ReplyDeleteThe multiple arches create a beckoning feeling. The statues add much to the building as well.
ReplyDeleteThis cathedral really does have it all! I love the statues, the rose window and the cross on top. Beautiful architecture.
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely magnificent Hilda! I could stare at it all day. I love everything about it from the fountain to the tower to the dome. I also enjoyed reading about the history.
ReplyDeleteThis too looks much older than it is. I love the style and the grounds with the fountain an trees are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNicely done, Hilda! It's beautiful, and I enjoy the history.
ReplyDeleteNice view and I also enjoyed reading about the history.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed. Very striking. Certainly has European aspects to it also.
ReplyDeleteFascinating story, too, Hilda.
Have a great weekend!
The building is impressive. Thanks for the terrifc story behind it. Great history as always.
ReplyDeleteHi ;)
ReplyDeleteMaybe one day I will be able to bring you one paper umbrella to Manila;)
Greetings,
Laonard
what a grand structure! very beautiful, Hilda!
ReplyDeleteour cathedrals are not as old as yours, but some of them are also beautiful.
btw, a belated Happy Independence Day of the Republic of The Philippines!
Beautiful buildings! I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteWow, this cathedral is so beautiful! And in a different way the Canadian totem is beautiful as well!
ReplyDeleteLéia and Luna enjoyed the fashionable Maria Clara...
God bless you!
Cezar
The cathedral is beautiful and the history is fascinating. Thanks for an interesting and informative post.
ReplyDeleteThis cathedral has fine detailes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo!
This is so beautiful, let's hope this one is around for a long time. Thank you again for another history lesson Hilda. We love 'em.
ReplyDeleteVogon Poet, James:
ReplyDeleteThe design of the cathedral is more than 400 years old, though the structure itself is new. It keeps getting destroyed by earthquakes, then the last one was totaled during WWII.
Jacob:
That 'European influence' would be Spanish.
Beautiful architecture!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place! We just don't have anything like that around here, for sure!
ReplyDeletedefinitely one of the most beautiful church in the metro. its exterior is really beautiful. interior though lacks character as its ceiling is plain. but still one of the most beautiful church in the country.
ReplyDeletenice shot!
Beautiful photo of the church Hilda =)
ReplyDelete