San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines
Updated: Apr 3
The San Agustin Church is a Baroque church located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It is 416 years old, and one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only church that survived the near complete destruction of Intramuros in World War 2.
In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual tour of this beautiful church, give you the lowdown on its fascinating history of endurance, share some facts, help you find the church, and also include your comprehensive GUIDE to visiting the Philippines. Plus some very special offers from our partners at Klook!
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Our San Agustin Church highlights
We had the true pleasure of visiting this beautiful Roman Catholic church as part of our tour of Intramuros. Having travelled much of eastern Europe and south Asia in our past year, predominantly Islamic countries, this was the first church we have been to in some time. And what an amazing church it is.
Prior to visiting we already knew of its moniker as being the oldest church in the Philippines, but the more we looked into it the more amazing its history becomes. Not just the oldest, it also holds a strength that goes far beyond age; it has emerged as the only structure to survive the total destruction of Intramuros on no less than two occasions. The first through a devastating earthquake, and the second the terror of war that led to Manila becoming the second most destroyed city of World War Two. Both times this was the only building left standing.
As if that was not enough to give us pause for thought, the intricate and ornate design of the church is striking. Elaborate carvings, paintings, and sculptures adorn the church's walls and ceilings, rightfully earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. The church also features a grand pipe organ and impressive religious artifacts that captivated us in every way.
It was so peaceful here, and it is a special place that holds so much importance to the Philippines, as it does to us for being able to share our energy with it. Regardless of religious beliefs, buildings and sites like this are hubs of human activity for centuries for a reason. We felt that here for sure, and it definitely left an impression on us.
There is also a museum here which we did not have time to visit, which displays a large collection of Spanish era artifacts, paintings, church ornaments and statues. When we return to Intramuros we may well check this out!
Half a century of history at San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the oldest, and one of the most historically significant, churches in the country. Its history is closely tied to the Spanish colonial period and the spread of Christianity in the Philippines. The current structure is the third to have been built on the site.
Officially known as the "Church of Saint Augustine," it was founded in 1571, making it one of the earliest churches built in the Philippines after the arrival of Spanish colonizers led by Miguel López de Legazpi. Originally made from wood and nipa, it was destroyed twice by fires. A decision was made to build it from stone and that began in 1586, although it took over 18 years to complete due to lack of funds, materials and stonemasons.
The church's design is a fine example of the Baroque architectural style and was designed by Juan Macias, who sadly passed away before its completion in 1607. It was actually named Church of St Paul of Manila. It also had two bell towers, although the left tower was eventually removed due to significant earthquake damage in 1880.
Over the centuries, San Agustin Church faced challenges including earthquakes and fires. Notably, a massive earthquake in 1645 heavily damaged the church. However, it was rebuilt and further expanded. Eight earthquakes, three wars and several fires have been thrown at it, yet it never yielded to these forces. Famously, in 1863 a major earthquake destroyed most of Manila, yet this church was the only building left undamaged. It served as a hospital at that time, and in 1898, was the site where Spanish Governor-General Fermin Jaudenes prepared the terms for the surrender of Manila to the United States of America.
More recently, during the Second World War, San Agustin Church was used as a concentration camp during the Japanese occupation, and also as a gun post. In the final days of the Battle of Manila, many residents and clergymen of the church were killed there. Remarkably, like the earthquake of 1863, it was the only one among the seven churches of Intramuros to survive the complete leveling of the city by the American and Filipino forces in 1945.
San Agustin Church has played a significant role in Filipino history, serving as the backdrop for important events such as royal and religious ceremonies. The church contains the tombs of several influential people like Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Juan de Salcedo, houses the image of the Lady of Consolation, which was crowned by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin in 2000.
Due to its historical and cultural importance, San Agustin Church was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 as part of the "Baroque Churches of the Philippines." This designation acknowledges the church's role in the cultural heritage of the Philippines and its architectural significance.
The history of San Agustin Church reflects the intertwined narratives of religion, culture, architecture, and colonialism in the Philippines. It stands as a symbol of resilience and continuity, showcasing the enduring impact of the past on the present.
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Ten facts about San Agustin Church
1. It is the oldest stone church in the Philippines.
2. It was built by the Augustinian friars in 1586 and completed in 1607.
3. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. The church is built in the Spanish-Mexican baroque style and has a 14-sided dome, which is the oldest in the Philippines.
5. The church has a pipe organ that was installed in 1811.
6. The church has a museum that houses religious artifacts and artworks.
7. The church was damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945, but it was restored in the 1950s.
8. The church is dedicated to Saint Augustine of Hippo, a 4th-century theologian and philosopher.
9. The church's bell tower is 60 meters tall.
10. The church receives an average of 1 million visitors per year. This number can go up to 2 million during peak seasons, such as Holy Week and Christmas.
What is Intramuros?
Intramuros, meaning "within the walls" in Spanish, is a historic district situated at the heart of Manila, Philippines. Intramuros was founded by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi in 1571. It was built as a defensive fortress surrounded by massive stone walls and moats to protect the Spanish settlers from attacks by local indigenous groups and other foreign powers. The walls of Intramuros stood as a physical barrier between the Spanish elite and the outside world.
Intramuros emerged as the political, religious, and economic nucleus of Manila during the Spanish colonial era. The district's architecture showcases a blend of Spanish colonial and Asian influences, featuring elegant facades, intricate carvings, and cobblestone streets. The district was laid out in a grid pattern, typical of Spanish colonial town planning, with the central plaza, Plaza Mayor (now known as Plaza de Roma), serving as the focal point.Key structures like the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church underline its role as a religious and cultural hub.
Intramuros survived the seven year war between Spain and Britain in 1762 but suffered devastating destruction during World War II, facing extensive bombing by American forces after Japan had invaded and occupied the city. Much of the original architecture and structures were destroyed or damaged during this period, not just from the bombing, but also via the 'scorched earth' tactics of the retreating Japanese army. Intramuros was almost completely destroyed, and Manila was the 2nd most destroyed city of WW2, after Warsaw in Poland.
Since the end of the war, and after the declaration of Philippine independence from the U.S in 1946, efforts have been made to preserve and restore what remains of Intramuros' historical heritage. Despite much of the original city being lost, Intramuros is to this day a cherished location, attracting tourists eager to delve into the Philippines' colonial history. It offers a unique glimpse into the nation's past through museums, cultural sites, and landmarks. As a living tribute to the Philippines' history, Intramuros symbolizes the country's resilience and offers a tangible connection to its struggle for freedom from foreign powers.
San Agustin Church opening times
The San Agustin Church is open to the public for both religious services and sightseeing. Visitors can explore its interior, learn about its history, and appreciate its artistic and architectural elements.
The San Agustin Church is open to the public from 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. There are no entrance fees, but donations are welcome.
San Agustin Church Manila Mass Schedule:
Monday to Friday: 6:30 am, 7:00 am, 5:30 pm
Saturday: 7:00 am, 5:30 pm (anticipated mass)
Sunday: 8:00 am (children’s mass), 10:00 am, 6:00 pm
How to get to San Agustin Church
To get to San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, you have a few transportation options depending on your starting point. Here's how to get there using different modes of transportation:
⪢ Public Transportation (Jeepney, LRT, and Walking)
If you're in a different part of Metro Manila, you can take the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 and get off at Central Terminal Station.
From the station, you can take a jeepney with a route that goes to Intramuros or San Agustin Church. You can ask locals or the jeepney driver for assistance.
If you're comfortable with walking, you can explore Intramuros on foot from the entrance gate near Central Terminal Station. San Agustin Church is one of the prominent landmarks inside Intramuros and is easily accessible by walking.
⪢ Taxi or Grab
Taxis, or Grab, are readily available in Metro Manila. You can simply input "San Agustin Church, Intramuros" as your destination in the app, and the driver should take you directly to the church.
Remember that traffic conditions in Manila can vary, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and consider the time of day when traveling to avoid any potential delays.
⪢ Walking
If you're in the general vicinity of Intramuros or if you're exploring the area, you can consider walking to San Agustin Church. Intramuros is a historic walled area, and you can find signs and directions leading to San Agustin Church.
⪢ Guided Tours
Many tour operators offer guided tours of Intramuros, which often include a visit to San Agustin Church. Joining a guided tour can be a convenient way to learn about the history of the area and the church while ensuring you won't get lost.
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Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Contact: +63 (02) 8527 2746
Other places to visit nearby
There are many places to check out in Intramuros, but here are a few within walking distance from San Agustin Church that we recommend you check out:
Manila Cathedral
The Manila Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, is a historic and significant minor basilica located within the ancient walled city of Intramuros in Manila, Philippines. It has been rebuilt seven times, overcoming several wars and earthquakes. It is regarded as the most important place of worship in the Philippines.
Casa Manila
Casa Manila is a museum in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It is a replica of a Spanish colonial house from the 19th century. The house was built in 1980 by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and is now a museum that showcases the lifestyle of a wealthy Filipino family during the Spanish colonial period.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is a citadel located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It was built by the Spanish in 1571 and served as the headquarters of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines. The fort was also used as a prison, and it is where José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was imprisoned before his execution in 1896.
Watch us explore Intramuros on YouTube
In this video we explore luxury and local places to visit as we walk around and explore the city of Intramuros. Come rain or shine we made the best of the day!
We explore the tourist hot spots of Plaza San Luis Complex where you can find Barbara's Heritage Restaurant, The Royal Cafe and the Casa Manila Living Museum. We then head to San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. All while enjoying the sights and sounds of the lively and friendly Manila that we have come to know and love over the past month!
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Our San Agustin Church experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
The San Agustin Church remains an active place of worship and is rightfully a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Christianity in the Philippines and the colonial history that shaped the nation.
Its story of survival, in the face of so much adversity, was enough alone to give us goosebumps as we walked inside. Coupled with its wonderful architectural beauty, this church left a profound impression on us that we will never forget.
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