Being the only predominantly catholic country within Asia, the Philippines has an abundance of beautiful churches you can visit. Churches also gives insight on the dominant architectural concepts during its time of construction. Whether you are visiting for a pilgrimage or just appreciating the architecture this guide has got you covered with the most beautiful churches around Philippines.
The churches in our list are easily accessible from Manila by public transportation. You can also choose to go for a car rental for greater flexibility in your travel routes. To get to Manila, we at Skyscanner offer you a simple way to compare multiple travel sites and airlines to find the cheapest flight deal to Manila. Check out the flight deals here!
San Agustin Church
Located within the walls of the historicalIntramuros, the San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the country. Withits Baroque architecture and its trompe l’oeil murals, no wonder it is a UNESCOWorld Heritage site, the only one in Manila.
There is also the San Agustin Museum nearbythat you can visit to get a glimpse of the past. It features various religiousworks from the Spanish Colonial Period in the former monastery of the church.
Because it is less than 30 minutes awayfrom the airport it can be a quick stop before going to the place you arestaying in while in Manila.
Manila Church
Another gem within Manila is the ManilaCathedral. The seat of power of the Archdiocese of Manila this massive 3,000square meter church features multi-layered arches in the outside and marblealtar inside. This is also within walking distance from the San Agustin Churchso you can hit both places in one trip.
This church has withstood many tribulationsfrom when it was originally built in 1581. It was destroyed by many fires andearthquakes until its current form was completed in 1958 after it was bombardedin World War II.
Quiapo Church
Home of the famous Black Nazarene thischurch is a basilica in the Mexican Baroque style. A novena in honor of theBlack Nazarene is held every Friday that is attended by thousands of devotees. TheBlack Nazarene is said to be miraculous therefore there are many people thatkiss the image’s foot or wipe it with their handkerchief.
It is also iconic for its celebration of the translacion every Feast Day of the Black Nazarene every January 9. Many devotees flock the streets of Manila to fulfill their panata to either repent their sins or give back for the blessings they receive all year.
Antipolo Church
Known as the shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the Antipolo Cathedral is a must for people who travel a lot. People would often visit this church to wish for safe travels and was even visited by the national hero Jose Rizal as a boy.
Its current form was completed in 1954after being destroyed by a bombardment in World War II. Nonetheless, thisshrine remains to be the most iconic churches near the metro for its beautifularchitecture.
Being one of the top pilgrimage spots inthe country, there are many people that visit Antipolo Church around Holy Week.Especially during Maundy Thursday when the penitential walk towards the churchis done.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tagaytay
If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle ofManila you may want to visit a Tagaytay church for a quieter and slightlycooler church visit. Located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway it is only acouple of hours away from Manila. It features a beautiful front yard and awater fountain right at the entrance. Inside you are greeted with a wide aisleand a spacious interior. It is no wonder that this is one of the top spots forweddings and renewal of vows.
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The most interesting part of the church isits Candle Chapel. The visitors can light a candle with a different colordepending on their petition.
Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay
Another noteworthy one of the churches inTagaytay is the Divine Word Seminary. A place where you can feel the solemnityof prayer. Its lush greenery together with the cold breeze of Tagaytay makes itan ideal place to reflect and contemplate about life.
Simala Church, Cebu
Going further south to Cebu we have theSimala Church also known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. Located on anisolated hill in Brgy. Lindogon, Sibonga it is a popular pilgrimage site forpeople to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary. To get to the church you have toclimb the hill it is on as a penitence before entering the church.
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Inside the church you will see the colorfulartwork on the ceiling and a glorious altar in front. There is also a museumwhere different statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary are displayed. You can alsowrite letters and prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the prayer station.
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Barasoain Church
Starting our exploration of churches to thenorth we start with the Barasoain Church. Located 42 kilometers away fromManila this Baroque style church is known as the “Cradle of Democracy in theEast”. It earned this name from being the site of the First Philippine Republicwhen President Emilio Aguinaldo decided to move the capital from Cavite toMalolos.
Historical importance aside, you can feastyour eyes on its beautiful façade and the intricate carvings on its doors.Inside you are greeted with several paintings and the regal altar in all itsglory. Beside the church there is also the Barasoain Museum that goes into thedetails of the historical events that took place in this church much deeper.
Manaoag Church
Five hours from Manila is the Manaoag Church also known as the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag. Our Lady of Manaoag has countless tales of miracles and healing, some of which are depicted in the artwork inside the church. There are also many icons including the Black Nazarene and several statues of the Virgin Mary.
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Aside from the church itself, there arealso many activities that can be done around the vicinity. If you want a spotto meditate and reflect you can visit the Rosary Garden where you can make yourway to the statues that represent the mysteries of the rosary. You can evenplan for a side trip to the Sunflower Maze Farm in Tayug if you plan your visitwithin the month of May.
Paoay Church
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Located in Ilocos Norte, the defining feature of the Paoay Church are the 24 massive buttresses that line the church’s side and back. This was adaptation made to prevent the possible destruction of the church because of earthquakes. Aside from its baroque architecture, the façade also has motifs similar to those found in Javanese architecture. Considering its history and beauty it is no wonder that UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
Aside from the beautiful Paoay Church, youcan also visit the windmills in Bangui or explore the Paoay Sand Dunes for anexhilarating ride. You can also make a side trip to another UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in the historic roads of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
The Philippines truly has a myriad of beautiful churches to visit whether you just want to appreciate the history and architecture or just want a repose from the hustle and bustle of life. Flying across the Philippines could be a travel nightmare, but we could help ease it out without multi-city flight search tool available in Skyscanner. Visit our site, we could help you use the multi-city tool, starting city to your next city destinations and finally, departure dates.
