Manila Cathedral

Manila being one of the oldest city in the Philippines had managed to preserve some of the historical sites in the city. I love visiting Manila since there are so many places here that reflects our culture. Most of this places are just black and white pictures I get to see from my history books in my primary and secondary education. But to see this things and places in your own two eyes is such an experience. I love my country, I love its history and I am very much delighted whenever I see a piece of the past and how it connects with the modern days.

I now have one certain favorite. I simply fall in love with the beauty of Manila cathedral that I suddenly forgot that my mission in going to this area is to undergo PE for my new employer. (Medical facility is nearby the church) I realized that I was not the only one amazed with its architectural design but also a lot of people who are taking pictures of the church some are even foreigners who would stop by to see it.

Inside the church is the historical evolution of Manila Cathedral presented through pictures. I enjoyed seeing its form in different sizes and shape.

(Below is the History of the Church From Wikipedia)

The first cathedral, made of nipa and bamboo, was constructed in 1581. It was damaged by a typhoon in 1582 and razed by fire in 1583.

The second cathedral, which was made of stone, was built in 1592. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1600.

Construction of the third cathedral began in 1584. The new structure, consisting of three naves and seven chapels, was blessed in 1614. It was toppled by another earthquake which shook Manila in 1645.

he magnificent fourth cathedral was constructed from 1654 to 1671. It was severely damaged in 1863 by a very strong earthquake that also damaged the Palace of the Governor General of the Philippines. In 1880, another earthquake toppled its bell tower, rendering the cathedral towerless until 1959.

The fifth cathedral was constructed from 1870–1879. It was solemnly blessed in December of 1879. The cross atop the central dome is a reference point of astronomical longitudes of the archipelago. This incarnation of the cathedral was reduced to rubble by the bombing in 1945 during the Battle of Manila.

The present cathedral was constructed from 1954 to 1958 during the tenure of Manila Archbishop Rufino Jiao Cardinal Santos, and under the supervision of architect Fernando Ocampo. It was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1981 by Pope John Paul II.