Many Filipino devotees observe the traditional Visita Iglesia or Seven Churches Visitation during Holy Week. For those who are staying in the city, you can go on a Visita Iglesia courtesy of seven of the oldest churches in Metro Manila for around P170*.
But before you do, make sure to note the following tips on your Visita Iglesia:
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Don’t bring valuables.
- Bring water, an umbrella, and a hat.
- Slather on some sunblock.
- Bring a mobile phone, but use only for emergency.
- Be mindful about all your personal belongings.
Visita Iglesia 2015 Tour | ZipMatch
1. Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church
Where: Guadalupe Viejo, Makati
Age: 400 Years Old
Trivia: Founded by the Augustinians, the Nuestra Señora de Gracia church took 28 years to be completed. The church was built in 1601, but was only completed in 1629 after weathering different calamities. It served as a headquarters for the British forces and Japanese troops in 1762 and during World War II, respectively. According to Nuestra Señora de Gracia’s official website, the church’s adobe stones were taken down in the fifties and used to rebuild Manila Cathedral.
Going there: From your starting point, take public transport going to Guadalupe-EDSA. Take a jeepney ride and ask the driver to drop you off at the church. Most jeepneys pass by Guadalupe Viejo church.
Fare: Your starting point fare cost + P7.50
2. Santuario del Santo Cristo (56 minutes)
Where: Blumentritt, San Juan
Age: 413 Years Old
Trivia: The Dominican Fathers of the Holy Rosary built Santuario del Santo Cristo in the 1600s through the generosity of a Spaniard who donated them the land in San Juan City. Its most notable presence in the history happened when the church served as a shelter to the Katipuneros during the 1898 Philippine Revolution. There are eight saints cast in concrete found in each niche of the entrance. Moreover, the two bells in the facade of the church came from Spain and was brought over in 1979.
Going there: From Guadalupe Viejo church, take a jeepney ride going back to Guadalupe EDSA. You can then ride an EDSA bus and get dropped off at Ortigas Avenue bus stop. Walk toward the buses/jeeps at Robinsons Galleria and take a ride going to Quiapo. Get dropped off at P. Guevara Street and walk for about a kilometer (11 minutes) going to Santuario del Santo Cristo.
Fare: P21.00+
3. Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church or Malate Church (64 minutes)
Where: Malate, Manila
Age: Over 420 Years Old
Trivia: The Malate Catholic Church was originally built in 1588 by the Augustinian friars and considered to be the oldest church in Metro Manila outside the walls of Intramuros. Over the past four centuries, the church has been reconstructed several times. However, the statue brought from Spain in 1524 still stands. It is now managed by Columban priests.
It is interesting to note that from an aerial view, you can see that Malate Church is shaped like a cross.
Going There: From Santuario del Santo Cristo, walk towards P. Guevara Street and mount a bus going to Lawton. Walk to the LRT Line 1 Central Station and ride the tram. Your stop should be at Quirino Avenue station. Walk for about 850 meters (10 minutes) going to Malate Church.
Fare: P27.00+
4. San Agustin Church (32 minutes)
Where: Intramuros, Manila
Age: Over 440 Years Old
Trivia: San Agustin Church is considered as the oldest stone church in the Philippines and was erected in 1589. It was originally made out of bamboo and nipa. After being exposed to several fire incidents, the Augustinian friars decided to use adobe stones instead to create a stronger foundation for the church. In 1993, it was declared as a UNESCO Heritage site. Today, the church is also considered the “Wedding Capital of the Philippines.”
Going There: From Malate church, walk back to LRT Line 1 Quirino Avenue station. Ride the tram and stop at United Nations station. Walk for about 1.4 kilometers (18 minutes) going to General Luna Street until you reach San Agustin Church.
Fare: P15.00
5. Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica or Manila Cathedral (5 minutes)
Where: Intramuros, Manila
Age: Over 430 Years Old
Trivia: Perhaps the most popular church in all of Manila, the Manila Cathedral serves as a seat of the Archbishop of Manila, the de facto Primate of the Philippines. Pope Saint John Paul II granted the minor basilica status to Manila Cathedral via motu proprio (holy document). Since its 2012 and 2014 repairs, the church’s exteriors and indoors has been improved with high-tech equipment like CCTV cameras, large flat-screen television screens, audio-video systems, and LED light fixtures.
Going There: From San Agustin church, head northwest toward Urdaneta Street. Make a right on Sto. Thomas Street for about 38 meters.
Fare: P0.00
6. Santo Niño de Tondo Parish (51 minutes)
Where: Tondo, Manila
Age: 380 Years Old
Trivia: Santo Niño de Tondo Church is one of the earliest churches established in Luzon by the Spanish friars. Tondo church also has one of the oldest organs in the country in its possession. The church’s 56-key organ (with a 19-key, four-combination peladier) is an instrument imported from the renowned Amezua Organeros of Barcelona, Spain and was subsequently installed in 1893.
Going There: From Manila Cathedral, walk to LRT Line 1 Carriedo station. Take the tram and make a stop at Tayuman station. Walk for 24 minutes going to Santo Nino de Tondo Church.
Fare: P15
7. Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz or Binondo Church (9 minutes)
Where: Binondo, Manila
Age: Around 420 Years Old
Trivia: This church was named after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, who is of Chinese descent thanks to his father. Founded in 1596 by Dominican priests toserve Chinese converts, the church also faces a plaza named after the Filipino-Chinese saint. Masses held here are said in Hokkien and Mandarin aside from the usual Filipino and English, no doubt because of the high concentration of Chinese-Filipino residents and visitors in Binondo.
Getting There: Hail a cab and asked Manong driver to take Capulong Street/C-2 going to Abad Santos Ave. Ask him to go straight through Reina Regente Street, then have him take a left onto Juan Luna Street, then Ongpin Street, and then Quintin Paredes Street. You’ll be able to spot the church from your vantage point. Walk for a minute toward Binondo Church.
Fare: P70+
Congrats! You’ve reached the end of the tour. While in Binondo, why not take a detour and fill your tummy with these unusual food items?
