San Agustin Church turns 440 years old this year

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San Agustin Church should be in the places-to-see list for tourists who come to Manila.  Not only is it the oldest stone church in the country, but it is a reservoir of historical artifacts collected from the 440 years that it stood even after the British, American and Japanese occupations.  I would like to think that it is our version of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence because of the many areas around the entire complex (a monastery has been added to the church) although its simple facade conceal this fact.  San Agustin has undergone many reconstructions in its 440 years and in 1993 was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

There are many interesting items inside the church starting from the entrance where an antique bell weighing 3,400 kgs. welcomes visitors.  This bell was originally in the belfry but a strong earthquake in 1863 damaged the belfry so it was finally taken down in 1926.

From the entrance where one pays P100, every hall and corridor tells a story and contains memorabilia to show how rich the history of the church is and how vast it has collected in its entire existence (and counting too). Some of the things worth taking a look at are the pottery and jar collection which were donated to the church and porcelain room containing excavated artifacts from the San Agustin complex.

Tourists should not miss the HUGE, XVIIIth century Pipe Organ located in the choir loft.  It is an amazing sight that will really elicit sighs of admiration from onlookers.  Another historical area which is a must-see is the tomb of the founder of Manila, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, which is found in the church itself.   (How's that for an additional trivia to your knowledge of Philippine history?)

San Agustin Church is open daily: 8-12 and 1-6.
You may call at:  527-40-60; 527-40-61

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