Name: Manila
Rating: 3.6

San Agustin Church, Manila Overview

Located inside the walled city of Intramuros in Metro Manila, San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boasting a Baroque style of architecture, it was built between 1587 and 1606. The Roman Catholic church houses the San Agustin Museum and tombs of several historical figures, including conquistadors, statesmen, artists, etc.

In addition to the beautiful architecture, the church also has green lawns at the back that are very popular for weddings and other ceremonies. Sunday mass at the church does not allow visitors. Besides that, the church is a popular stop for most sightseeing tourist tours and is especially popular among history buffs. After seven major earthquakes, the current building is the third to be built in the same spot.

Museum at San Agustin Church

The museum at the San Agustin Church goes by the name of San Agustin Museum and is showcases the rich history of Catholicism in the Philippines. The galleries display a fine collection of religious antiques and art from several countries including the Philippines, Spain, Mexico, Singapore, and China. Among the top highlights are the botanical drawings, ceramics, liturgical goods and antique furniture etc.

Architecture of San Agustin Church

The magnificent pattern of the church is based on the designs followed by the temples that were built by the Augustinians in Mexico. The current edifice was built in 1587 and was completed with the monastery in 1604. The beautiful interiors boast of beautiful trompe l’oeil frescoes on the vaulted ceilings. Besides, the place has sunken panels, mouldings and rosettes which appear as three dimensional carvings. Aside from the 16 magnificent and gleaming chandeliers that were imported from Paris, the church also has a baroque pulpit with native pineapple as a motif, grand pipe organ,an antechoir with a 16th-century crucifix and a choir that has been made out of molave and ivory.

Best Time to Visit

Before you schedule your visit at the museum, be sure to keep track of the timings. The best time to visit here is during the Sunday Mass. Also, the San Agustin Museum closes for an hour during lunch. Keep the lunch break in mind if you intend to visit the museum as well.

How to Reach

San Agustin Church is located on the General Luna Street in the walled city of Intramuros and can be easily reached on foot from anywhere in Intramuros. The nearest train station is Central Terminal on LRT 1. Alternatively, you can also take a jeepney bound for the Pier route and get down at the Manila Cathedral. From here, the church is just walking distance away.