Jones Bridge
The newly restored Jones Bridge is easily recognizable by its beautifully designed black lamp posts—the same ones that were there when the bridge was first
THE BEAUTY OF
- Intramuros, Manila
PUBLISHED July 4, 2013
PHOTOGRAPHY and WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO
Known as one of the most important baroque churches in the Philippines and as one of the only four baroque churches in the Philippines that were designated as World Heritage sites by UNESCO, the San Agustin Church is still standing strong despite its age and location within the walls of Intramuros.
In addition to being a historical landmark, San Agustin Church is also considered a cultural treasure. In the year 1571, the San Agustin Church was built and completed on January 19, 1607 after several attempts to build it. It managed to survive storms, sieges, wars, and most importantly, a series of strong earthquakes that left a lot of destruction throughout the city. As a result of the earthquake incident that occurred in July 1800, the east tower of the San Agustin Church had an unfortunate large crack that led to the tower being permanently removed, leaving only the church’s base. The church also served as a hospital for the wounded victims after the earthquake incident.
In addition to being a historical landmark, San Agustin Church is also considered a cultural treasure. In the year 1571, the San Agustin Church was built and completed on January 19, 1607 after several attempts to build it. It managed to survive storms, sieges, wars, and most importantly, a series of strong earthquakes that left a lot of destruction throughout the city. As a result of the earthquake incident that occurred in July 1800, the east tower of the San Agustin Church had an unfortunate large crack that led to the tower being permanently removed, leaving only the church’s base. The church also served as a hospital for the wounded victims after the earthquake incident.
Besides being the lone survivor of World War II, the church is also noteworthy because its dome ceiling is intricately painted with a special feature: a three-dimensional illusion. It has been known to be difficult to spot at first, as it might seem as if it was a sculptural part of the interior of the church. Last but not least, this church is also a burial ground for Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor of the Philippines and the founder of Manila.
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