Well-known as “Manila Cathedral” to the public, the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is located in the historical walled city of the Philippines, Intramuros.

The cathedral was originally a parish church owned and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico in the year 1571, until it became a separate diocese on 1579 upon the issuance of the papa bull, Illius Fulti Praesido by Pope Gregory XIII. The original structure was built by the first-ever bishop of Manila in the year 1581, which then was made from nipa, wood and bamboo. It was ultimately short lived when 2 years later, a fire broke out during the funeral for a spanish governor at San Augustin church, which destroyed the cathedral and most of the walled city. The second church was made of stone and was constructed in 1592, only surviving up to 8 years until an earthquake in the year 1600. The supposed third cathedral, still under construction in 1614, was again destroyed by another earthquake that shook manila in 1645. The series went on, until its eight and current version, which was finally completed in the year 1958.