Order of Saint Augustine, the current San Agustin Church is actually the third to be established on the site. The first was built with bamboo and nipa in 1571, but destroyed by fire in 1574. The second was wooden, but similarly burned down in 1583. The third is the one still standing today, and in 1993 it became one of four local Spanish-era churches to be chosen by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, collectively known as the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
2. Manila Cathedral Intramuros, Manila
Formally known as the Kalakhang Katedral
Basílika ng Maynilà, the Manila Cathedral is a Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It also serves as the See of the Archbishop of Manila. Originally established in 1571, the eighth and current rendition of the cathedral was completed in 1958. It was renovated and repaired for earthquake retrofitting and subsidence prevention in 2012, and re-opened to the public after a complete renovation in 2014.
3. Calasiao Church Calasiao, Pangasinan
Also known locally as Saints Peter and Paul Parish
Church, Calasiao Church is a baroque church that was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. This Spanish-colonial-era church’s main composition are massive bricks or ladrillo with a fortress-like façade designed to withstand revolts and rebellions. Beside it stands Museo Calasiao, a mini-museum housing vintage photos and historical pieces of the church. 4. Binondo Church Binondo, Manila
There are many churches in Manila and this one
was founded by Dominican priests in 1596. The Binondo Church is also known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (the first Filipino saint) and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, and has been rebuilt numerous times over the centuries due to constant damage by war and natural disasters. Sporting historic Spanish and European baroque design elements, the church has retained its original character. However, only the western façade and the octagon belfry, which suggests the Chinese culture of the parishioners, are what remain from the original structure.
5. Quiapo Church Quiapo, Manila
Quiapo Church is very popular because it is the
location of the reputedly miraculous Nuestro Señor Jesús Nazareno, better known as the Black Nazarene. Located in downtown Manila in Plaza Miranda, the baroque church was expanded in 1984 to accommodate more devotees. Only its façade with twisted columns and the dome at the transept were retained from its classic design. The church was officially declared a Minor Basilica in 1988. FAMOUS CHURCHES IN THE WORLD 1. SAGRADA FAMILIA This Church located in Barcelona, Spain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a Roman Catholic Church planned by architect Antoni Gaudí and its construction began in 1882. However, it remains incomplete till today. This is mainly because of its gigantic size which means that in the time taken to complete building the original plan, the earliest construction would need to be renovated and this process would never end. We have also covered about largest Hindu temples around the world. It is estimated that a tour of the whole churchwould take about a week.
2. SAINT BASIL’S CATHEDRAL
This famous church is located in Moscow, the capital of Russia and marks the exact centre of the city. It was completed in 1561 under the reign of Ivan the Terrible and has a very colourful architecture unusual for a church. Like the Sagrada Familia, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is perhaps one of the most famous Churches in the world because it appears in many movies. We have also listed beautiful castles Built Around the World.
3. ST. PETER’S BASILICA
This Roman Catholic Church is the seat of Papal power and is located in Vatican City, an enclave in Italy. This church was designed at the height of the Renaissance by the famous artist Michelangelo and has the tallest dome in the world measuring more than 136 meters. It has become the most famous church in the Vatican and one of the most popular tourist sites in Europe. This is the largest church in the world with an internal area of 15160 square meters that stretches over 186 meters in length. 4. ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL The next famous church is also located in London, on top of a hill – the highest point in London. It is the seat of the Bishop of the Church of England. The church in its current form was built in the 17th century through its predecessor, the earlier St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in 604 AD.
5. CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY
This Basilica is located in Bethlehem, Palestine and is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. One of the Famous Churches around the world. Its construction was started by Constantine in 327AD and today it is UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church, however, does not see many tourists because of the ongoing conflict in Palestine, but some believe the truly devout worshippers are protected from all danger by a divine power.