Manila Cathedral, Roman Catholic cathedral in Intramuros, Philippines
Manila Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Intramuros, Philippines, rebuilt in 1958 with a blend of Neo-Romanesque and Gothic Revival elements throughout the structure. The interior follows a Latin cross plan, with stone walls, high vaults, and colored glass windows that cast soft light across the central nave.
The cathedral was rebuilt eight times since 1571, following fires, earthquakes, and wartime damage that destroyed earlier versions. The current building rose from the ruins left by World War II, with construction beginning in 1954 and finishing in 1958.
The building carries the full name Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción and stands at Plaza de Roma, where churchgoers gather for several Sunday Masses. Side chapels hold candles and rosaries left by visitors, while the crypt is reserved for special occasions and memorials throughout the year.
The cathedral opens daily to visitors, with level entrances that accommodate wheelchairs and allow easy access to the main floor. Relics of three popes are on display inside, though access may vary depending on the schedule of services held throughout the week.
The crypt beneath the cathedral holds the burial sites of Philippine leaders, including two former presidents and several archbishops who served the country. Visitors often notice the bronze plaques along the walls, listing names and dates of those resting here.
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