The San Sebastian Basilica
Quiapo, Manila
PUBLISHED August 15, 2016
PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO
If there’s one place in Manila that I love to show tourists, it’s the San Sebastian Basilica. The moment you lay your eyes on this majestic structure, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride. The unique design, the rustic atmosphere, and the intricate details all come together to create a truly awe-inspiring experience. It’s a place that never fails to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
- Quiapo, Manila
San Sebastian Basilica, also known as the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian or San Sebastian Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Quiapo, Manila. It holds a special place in my heart as a Catholic. Built in 1891, this steel building church is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Philippines. It is actually the only steel-built church in the country, making it truly unique. The church holds great historical and cultural significance, being designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.
- Quiapo, Manila
The Beauty of
San Sebastian Basilica
If there’s one place in Manila that I love to show tourists, it’s the San Sebastian Basilica. The moment you lay your eyes on this majestic structure, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride. The unique design, the rustic atmosphere, and the intricate details all come together to create a truly awe-inspiring experience. It’s a place that never fails to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO
PUBLISHED August 15, 2016
San Sebastian Basilica, also known as the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian or San Sebastian Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Quiapo, Manila. It holds a special place in my heart as a Catholic. Built in 1891, this steel building church is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Philippines. It is actually the only steel-built church in the country, making it truly unique. The church holds great historical and cultural significance, being designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.
San Sebastian Basilica, also known as the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian or San Sebastian Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Quiapo, Manila. It holds a special place in my heart as a Catholic. Built in 1891, this steel building church is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Philippines. It is actually the only steel-built church in the country, making it truly unique. The church holds great historical and cultural significance, being designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.
ABOVE | The steel-made San Sebastian Basilica, with its towering spires and light blue facade, is unique among churches for its materials. It’s also a witness to history—a symbol of Filipino faith.
The care of San Sebastian Basilica is entrusted to the Order of Augustinian Recollects, who also oversee the nearby San Sebastian College-Recoletos. It is truly a hub of faith and education. You can find the basilica at Plaza del Carmen, at the eastern end of Recto Avenue, in Quiapo, Manila.
LEFT | Upon entering the basilica, one sees on the right a statue of Immaculate Heart of Mary and an ornate spiral staircase leading to the choir loft.
RIGHT | A large crucifix hangs on the right side of this basilica’s entrance, and it is made from wood—appears old and has been prayed over many times by people through history. The Filipino custom of touching Christ’s feet while praying shows respect for him; one feels that the crucifix bears witness to their devotion.
The construction of this remarkable church involved the shipment of 52 metric tons of prefabricated steel sections from Binche, Belgium. These sections were brought to the Philippines in eight shipments, starting from 1888. Belgian engineers then worked diligently to erect the church, using mixed sand, gravel, and cement to create a strong foundation. The stained glass windows were imported from a renowned German company, Heinrich Oidtmann, while local artisans added their finishing touches to the basilica.
ABOVE | The Basilica’s dome ceiling is formed with steel, giving it an rustic feel. The altar stands out from the rest of the space—its intricate lines and golden tones brilliantly illuminated by white lights; in its center stands the venerated image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Our Lady of Carmel).
On June 24, 1890, a momentous occasion took place. Pope Leo XIII elevated the church to the status of a minor basilica, recognizing its importance and significance. And on August 16, 1891, Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda y Villa OP consecrated the Basilica Minor de San Sebastian.
The architectural structure of San Sebastian Basilica is truly awe-inspiring. It features two openwork towers and magnificent steel vaulting. The nave of the church rises an impressive 12 meters above the floor, reaching up to the dome at 32 meters above the twin spires. Inside, the faux finished interior showcases beautifully crafted groined vaults, reminiscent of the Gothic architectural style. These vaults allow ample natural light to filter through the lateral windows, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
ABOVE | The San Sebastian Basilica, one of Manila’s most famous landmarks, is grandeured by its huge stained-glass windows. They are said to be some of the most beautiful in all—and that’s not surprising: The basilica itself has rustic feels and glamour; this combination makes it a favorite among Filipinos.
The interior of the basilica is adorned with various elements of worship. Lorenzo Guerrero and Rocha designed the confessionals, pulpit, altars, and five retablos in the Gothic revival style. The statues, intricately carved by Eusebio Garcia, add a touch of artistic beauty to the church. Additionally, six holy water fountains, made from exquisite Romblon marble, can be found within the basilica.
ABOVE |Â Church leaders and other attendants prepared for the entrance procession into the San Sebastian Basilica. The basilica’s interior was illuminated by warm-toned lights during evening mass.
In 1973, President Ferdinand Marcos bestowed the honor of being a historical landmark upon San Sebastian Basilica through Presidential Decree No. 260. This further solidified its importance in the nation’s history. Years later, on August 15, 2011, the church received another prestigious recognition. The National Museum of the Philippines declared San Sebastian Basilica a National Cultural Treasure. It was a proud moment, celebrated with the unveiling of a marker on January 20, 2012.
San Sebastian Basilica holds a special place in the hearts of many. It stands as a testament to the rich history, remarkable architecture, and unwavering faith of the Filipino people. As a Catholic, I am grateful for the opportunity to witness the beauty and grace of this extraordinary basilica.
UPPER PHOTOS | The workers took a break from their work on the basilica, which was undergoing rehabilitation due to corrosion in its steel supports.
LOWER PHOTOS | During Black Nazarene feast in Manila, held every January, thousands of pilgrims travel from all over the country to take part in a procession called “Dungaw” that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. The reenactment involves an image of Nazareno as it passes by one of Our Lady Mt. Carmel—the basilica patroness.
SHARE
TWEET
PIN
EMAIL
EXPLORE MORE about
Manila
Venice Grand Canal
Located in the heart of the Taguig City, the Venice Grand Canal is a lifestyle mall development under the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Located inside the
Manila Abbey San Beda
The Manila Abbey San Beda, or formally known as Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, is a Benedictine men’s monastery located along the streets of
Intramuros
It is also known as the Walled City, and during the Spanish Colonial Period it was synonymous with the city of Manila. Intramuros was also
Binondo Chinatown
In addition to being considered the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo Chinatown is also the center of trade and commerce in Manila City. In
Binondo Church
The Binondo Church is a historic church in Manila, located in the District of Binondo, near the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. It was previously called
San Agustin Museum
The San Agustin Museum is located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Church. It is located in Intramuros—the walled city of Manila—and
University of Santo Tomas
UST, also known as the University of Santo Tomas, is a private Roman Catholic university located in Sampaloc, Manila. It was founded on 28 April
CCP | Cultural Center of the Philippines
The Cultural Center of the Philippines or CCP was founded in 1966 under the directive of former President Ferdinand Marcos, in order to reinforce and
Natural History Museum
The four national museums that make up Manila are one of the many attractions that one can experience in the city. There are four major
ROTATE YOUR PHONE
