San Agustin Church, Manila, A Unesco World Heritage Site.jpg Photo by Ray in Manila – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Interesting Facts about San Agustin Church, Manila


 

San Agustin Church is also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture or the Immaculate Conception Parish. It is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of the Order of St. Augustine.

It is located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. The structure was founded in 1571 and the structure was completed in 1607, it is the oldest stone church in the country. Its former name was Iglesia de San Pablo de Manila.

In 1993, the church was one of four Philippine churches that were constructed during the Spanish colonial period. It was to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO under the title Baroque Churches of The Philipines.

In 1976, it was named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government.

The structure is the third to stand on the site and has been able to survive seven major earthquakes, and wars in Manila. 

1. The Church’s History

San Agustin Church, Manila.jpg Photo by Ryanilinon – Wikimedia Commons

Located in General Luna St, Manila, Metro Manila. The present structure is actually the third Augustinian church erected on the site. The first San Augustin church was the first religious structure constructed by the Spaniards on the island of Luzon.

It was made of bamboo and nipa and was completed in 1571. However, it was destroyed by fire in December 1574 during the attempted invasion of Manila.

2. The Second Turn of Events

San Agustin Church (Intramuros, Manila; 01-24-2021).jpg Photo by patrickroque01 – Wikimedia Commons

The Second wooden structure built on the same site was destroyed in February 1583. It was also destroyed by a fire that started when a candle ignited drapery on the funeral bier. 

The accident happened during services for Spanish Governor-General Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa. 

After the second accident, they decided to rebuild the church using stone and construct an adjacent monastery. The construction started in 1586 based on the design of Juan Macias. The structure was built using hewn adobe stones that were quarried from Meycauayan, Binangonan. 

The work on the church proceeded slowly due to the lack of funds and materials. There was also a relative scarcity of stone artisans. The church was formally declared complete on January 1607 and was named Church of St. Paul of Manila.

The church was named after Macias, the designer, who died before the completion of the church. He was acknowledged by the Augustinians as the builder of the edifice.

3. Renovations In 1854

San Agustin Church (46994921884).jpg Photo by David Stanley – Wikimedia Commons

In 1854, the church was renovated under the supervision of Spanish architect Luciano Oliver. However, in 1863 there was a strong earthquake that left the city in widespread destruction. The church was the only public building left undamaged.

The series of strong earthquakes left a large crack that was eventually repaired. The tower was permanently removed with only the base remaining today. 

4. The Stable Church 

The church was able to withstand major earthquakes that struck Manila. For some time it served as a hospital for several of those injured during the earthquake in 1863.

The church had to be renovated again due to the damages. With the church being the only safe place for people who were harmed by the earthquakes.

The church was generous enough to create space for them to sleep and rest before they were able to sustain themselves again.

The church had a large number of people over the years 1645 through 1863. During that time the schedule of mass and other church services were changed to accommodate what was happening to the people of the Philippines.

5. The Second World War Survival

During the Second World War, the church became a concentration camp. It was the only one among seven churches of Intramuros. However, Japanese troops removed the lower portion of the right front door of the church. 

The church sustained damage to its roof while the monastery was rebuilt as a museum. The design of architect Angel Nakpil was used for the monastery.

6. The Church’s Architecture

San Agustin Church in Intramuros (Manila) 20180703, bild 59.jpg Photo by Västgöten – Wikimedia Commons

San Agustin Church is patterned after some of the magnificent temples built by the Augustinians. The church symbolizes the majesty and equilibrium of a Spanish golden era. 

The profile of the moldings, rosettes, and sunken panels appear as three-dimensional carvings. The choir sats carved in Malave with ivory inlays of the 17th century together with the 16 huge and beautiful chandeliers make the church look elegant and medieval.

7. Famous Burial In The Church

San Agustin Church in Intramuros (Manila) 20180703, bild 73.jpg Photo by Västgöten – Wikimedia Commons

San Agustin church contained niches for burials of bones and remains. Some of the notable burials include Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Juan Luna, Guido de Lavezaris, Francisco Alonso Liongson, and Martin de Goiti. These are the remains of the Spanish conquistadors.

Their bodies are laid to rest underneath the church.

This burial introduced the church to many people, the church has gained new people every other Sunday and has been able to grow.

8. The Great Rebuilding of The Monastery

 

In the 1970s the monastery was rebuilt as a museum under the design of architect Angel Nakpil. The church, however, was renovated in 2013 and the colorful facade was replaced by a sedate stone-colored one. 

The new monastery design was meant to resemble the same design as the church. With a neutral color palette and an even better construct detail. The main inspiration behind the building was meant to show the beauty in all churches. 

The renovation has always been able to attract tourists and new settlers to it.

9. The Interesting Church Fame

San Agustin church is known as the oldest church in the Philippines. Most people like it for having altars of high baroque style and wall buttresses separating crypto collateral chapels. 

Due to its beautiful and unique style, many people prefer to have their wedding in the church. Many of the tour guides in Manila enjoy adding this to most of their tours. In actual fact, the church is labeled as a romantic venue for weddings.

10. San Agustin Headquarters

The church served as the provincial house and headquarters of the Augustinian Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines of Spain. In 1901, the title was transferred to Madrid until 1927 when the headquarters of the Province. 

The church is currently administered by the Augustinian friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines.