The stone front
Survived quakes and war.
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The oldest stone church in the Philippines, completed in 1607 within the walls of Intramuros, and almost the only building in the walled city to survive the destruction of 1945. It is one of four Spanish-era churches inscribed together on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1993 as the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Its stone front is plain and heavy, built to withstand the region's frequent earthquakes, and it has indeed survived several major quakes that destroyed the buildings around it. Inside, it is known for its painted ceiling in a style that fools the eye, appearing carved in relief though it is flat, the work of two Italian painters in the nineteenth century. The adjoining monastery houses the San Agustin Museum, its cloisters set around an inner courtyard, showing church art, furniture and ceramics from the Spanish centuries. Miguel López de Legazpi, founder of Spanish Manila, is buried in the church. The church is an active place of worship, so it cannot be toured during Mass, and modest dress is expected. Entry to the church is free; the museum needs a ticket.
Survived quakes and war.
A trick of the eye.
A museum round a courtyard.
General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila
IntramurosThe old walled city at the heart of Manila; its Spanish name means «within the w1 minute walk
National Museum of Fine ArtsThe largest art museum in the Philippines, housed in the Old Legislative Buildin8 minutes walk4.6
National Museum of AnthropologyThe museum of the history and archaeology of the Filipino peoples, in a neoclass9 minutes walk4.7
Fort SantiagoA stone citadel the Spanish built in 1571 at the mouth of the Pasig River to gua10 minutes walk4.4
Rizal Park (Luneta)Manila's best-known and largest park, covering 58 hectares between the walled ci10 minutes walk4.6Yes, the church is free outside Mass times. The monastery museum next door costs about 200 pesos.