Manila CathedralBasilica

(Architecture)

Introduction
The Manila Metropolitan
Cathedral-Basilica informally known
as Manila Cathedral, is a Roman
Catholic Basilica located in
Intramuros, Manila Philippines
dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate
Concepcion, the Principal Patroness
of the Philippines.

Background
The Manila Cathedral is the
eight structure to rise in Manila.
First church of nipa and bamboo
built in 1571. Burned in 1583.

 Second cathedral built of

stone and mortar in 1591.
Destroyed by 1599 and 1600
earthquakes.

 Third cathedral built

in 1614. Destroyed by
1621 and 1645
earthquakes.

 Fourth cathedral built from

1654 to 1681. Damaged by
typhoons and earthquakes,
and subsequently demolished
in 1751.

 Fifth cathedral
inaugurated in 1760.
Renovated in 1850 but
destroyed by
earthquake in 1852.

 Sixth cathedral
constructed from 1854
to 1858. Destroyed by
earthquake in 1863.

 Seventh cathedral
inaugurated in 1879. Severely
damaged by earthquake in
1880 when its bell tower
collapsed. Totally destroyed
in the 1945 Battle of Manila.

Present, cathedral built from

1953 to 1958. Elevated to the
rank of Minor Basilica by
Pope John Paul II in 1981 and
officially named Basilica of
the Immaculate Conception.

Architecture
Status -> Minor Basilica
Architect -> Fernando H. Ocampo
Architectural Type -> Cathedral
Basilica
Style -> Neo Romanesque

Statues
The main faade of the Manila Cathedral is graced by statues of
famous saints sculpted in Roman travertine stone. In the old
cathedral, they were originally made of molave wood.
Carvings
The faade of the Manila Cathedral is festooned with artistic
bronze carvings representing its important historical episodes
and giving homage to Mary, the Mother of God.
Portals
Beneath the imposing rose-glass window, dominating the faade
of the Manila Cathedral is the main portal executed in eight
bronze panels by Italian sculptors Alessandro Monteleone and
Francesco Nagni.

Central Nave
Sculpted in bronze and engrafted to a gigantic
pillar, serve as the holy water stoups at the
cathedrals immediate entrance area from the main
portal. At the far end of the central nave is the
marble altar, glowing in brightness, dedicated to the
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Main Altar
The principal altar of the Manila Cathedral is a
tribute to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
The frontispiece of this high altar is the impressive
work of the German artist Toni Fiedler.

 Communion Rail
The communion rail is a dominating feature which
complements the beautiful altar of the Immaculate
Conception. It is made of fine rosette orange, cream
and white marble from Carrara, Italy . At its center are
two small wrought iron gates leading to the altar table.
Each gate is designed with cast bronze sculptures at
the center depicting a lamb and a swan. Encompassed
by the communion rail are the Episcopal Throne.

 Episcopal Throne
is the seat of the Archbishop of the
Archdiocese of Manila. Found at the
left side of the main altar area, it is
made of the richest and most significant marble
that could be culled from the quarries of
Carrara, Italy. The throne is featured with the
escutcheon of the late Archbishop Rufino J.
Cardinal Santos, the first Filipino Cardinal.