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

Visit the Sky Watch Friday home page and tour the skies of our beautiful world.
Sky Watch Friday

22 comments:

  1. LowellAugust 14, 2009 at 7:59 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. LoisAugust 14, 2009 at 8:24 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. LouiseAugust 14, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    What a cheerful building against that stormy sky!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Photo CacheAugust 14, 2009 at 9:26 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. JimAugust 14, 2009 at 9:46 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. JamesAugust 14, 2009 at 9:50 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  7. Regina August 14, 2009 at 10:44 AM

    Great shot.
    Happy weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  8. GreensboroDailyPhotoAugust 14, 2009 at 10:46 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. Clueless in BostonAugust 14, 2009 at 10:52 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. slimAugust 14, 2009 at 11:44 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. Don and KriseAugust 14, 2009 at 11:55 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. gogouciAugust 14, 2009 at 12:05 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. VPAugust 14, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  14. pennyAugust 14, 2009 at 6:38 PM

    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...

    ReplyDelete
  15. AlAugust 14, 2009 at 8:46 PM

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

    AL

    ReplyDelete
  16. This Is My Blog - fishing guyAugust 14, 2009 at 8:49 PM

    Hilda: Truly a beautiful church going into the sky.

    ReplyDelete
  17. B SQUAREDAugust 14, 2009 at 9:03 PM

    Can't wait to see the inside.

    ReplyDelete
  18. CarolAugust 14, 2009 at 9:06 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. HalcyonAugust 14, 2009 at 9:17 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Cezar and LéiaAugust 15, 2009 at 2:16 AM

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jane Hards PhotographyAugust 15, 2009 at 3:10 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  22. GeorgeAugust 15, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting and letting me know!