10 OLDEST CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH, INTRAMUROS, MANILA

Within the walls of the historical Intramuros stands the

oldest church in the Philippines, the San Agustin Church.
Built in 1599 and completed in1607, it is one of the 4
baroque churches in the Philippines.

2. THE PAOAY CHURCH

This is one of the oldest churches in Philippines. Its

construction started in 1704 and was completed in 1894 by
the Augustinian friars led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo. Its
construction primarily was intended to withstand
earthquakes. And it could test the strength of the walls,
because the church was damaged by an earthquake in
1706 and 1927. The walls of the church are 1.67 meters
thick and are supported by 24 carved and massive
buttresses. The design of the church is a mixture of Gothic,
Oriental and Baroque influence.

3. MAASIN CATHEDRAL

One of the oldest churches in the Philippines, Southern

Leyte.

4. BINONDO CHURCH

Is one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the

Philippines.

5. SAN GUILLERMO PARISH CHURCH

San Guillermo Parish Church is one of the oldest and

largest churches in the Philippines. It was accepted as an
Agustinian convent on December 31, 1576 on the lot
owned by Don Guillermo Manabat. The church was
restored by Fr. Manuel Diaz in 1897.
6. PATRICINIO DE MARIA CHURCH

The first buildings were probably ruined during the Muslim

raid of 1782 that destroyed almost all the entire town. Fr.
Ambrosio Otero started the reconstruction of the new
church in 1783 and Fr. Julian Bermejo finished the church
and had a stone fence built to enclose the convent and
the church as an added protective measure. In 1880 an
old organ was installed and to this day, the organ is still at
the choir loft, although it is in danger of getting worn out.

7. NIÑO

Another downtown landmark is the Basilica Minore del

Santo Niño. It is the second oldest in the Philippines
after Bohol's Baclayon Church. It houses the country's
oldest religious icon, the image of Señor Sto. Niño (Holy
Child Jesus).

8. SAN NICOLAS CHURCH, ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES

San Nicolas Catholic Church built in 1701 is one of the

oldest buildings in this province. Its original structure is one
of the must see places of the town. The Church and the
attached Sta. Rosa Academy Building, the well preserved
Municipal Hall and the old Town Plaza sprawled between
them constitute the heart of the town center. These
buildings and structures are originally built and continue to
be festooned with earthen bricks, which is among the
products of the surviving local earthenware industry.

9. SAN JOSE CHURCH IN BASCO,BATANES

Definitely on the “must see” list. Saleng and I are targeting

an early 2013 visit, now, I need to work double time for the
travel funds. haha! I will also share my friend Malou’s
picture of Batanes’ churches on the next series of blog
post.

10. OUR LADY OF MANAOAG

The image of Our Lady of Manaoag and her bejewelled

crown are considered priceless.

Submitted by: Peter Shi