The Manila Cathedral, officially known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is a prominent Roman Catholic church in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. Constructed in 1571 as a parish church, it became a cathedral in 1579 and has undergone several reconstructions due to earthquakes and wars.
The current cathedral, completed in 1958, showcases a Neo-Romanesque architectural style and houses significant relics, including those of Saint Polycarp and Saint Potenciana.
It features a grand pipe organ built in 1958, making it the largest church organ in Southeast Asia. The cathedral underwent extensive renovations to ensure structural stability and enhance its facilities, reopening to the public in 2014. Pope Francis celebrated his first papal mass in the Philippines at the Manila Cathedral during his apostolic visit in 2015. The Manila Cathedral-Basilica holds the distinction of being the Premier Church, Cathedral, and Basilica of the Philippines, initially established as the Church of Manila in 1571 and becoming the Cathedral in 1581 when the Philippines became a new diocese.
It was elevated to the rank of a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1981, making it the only church in the Philippines to receive this honor on the Pope’s own initiative.
Location: Cabildo cor. Beaterio St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines 1002
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Mass Schedules: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM and 12:10 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM only
Sunday: 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free
How to get there: – Carriedo LRT is the closest train station to Manila Cathedral. It is a 16-minute walk away.
– Andres Soriano Jr. Ave. / Muralla Intersection, Manila is the closest bus stop to Manila Cathedral. It is a 2-minute walk away.
