Manila Cathedral

마닐라 대성당

The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Intramuros, Manila's cathedral, rebuilt in neo-Romanesque style in 1954–1958 by Fernando Ocampo. Its stone front with a great arched portal, saints in niches and a rose window stands beside a 40 m bell tower, with a green-patina dome over the crossing.

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At a glance

Country: Philippines
Location: Manila, Philippines
Built: 1958
Height: 40 m
Type: Religious building

Quick answers

Where is Manila Cathedral?

Manila Cathedral is in Manila, Philippines.

When was Manila Cathedral built?

Manila Cathedral was built in 1958.

How tall is Manila Cathedral?

Manila Cathedral is about 40 m tall.

The Manila Cathedral, officially the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is the main Roman Catholic church of the Archdiocese of Manila, in the Philippines. It stands in Intramuros, the old walled city. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception, who is the main patroness of the Philippines.

The first church here dates from 1571. The cathedral you see today was finished in 1958 and is the eighth cathedral built on this spot. Its stone front has a great arched doorway and a rose window, with a bell tower about 40 metres tall and a green dome over the crossing. Three popes have visited it: Paul VI, John Paul II and Francis.

Eight cathedrals

The church started in 1571 as a parish, and in 1579 it became a cathedral when the Diocese of Manila was created. In 1581 the first bishop, Domingo de Salazar, built a new cathedral from nipa, wood and bamboo, but it burned down in a fire that started at a funeral nearby.

A stone cathedral was built in 1592 with a central nave and two side aisles. In 1595 sacred relics from 155 martyrs, 20 popes and two saints were brought to Manila.

The cathedral today

The present building is the eighth reconstruction. It was completed in 1958 in a neo-Romanesque style by the architect Fernando Ocampo.

The cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, the main patroness of the Philippines. On 27 April 1981 Pope John Paul II raised the church to the rank of minor basilica, a special title for important churches.