Manila Cathedral
The Manila Cathedral, formally the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and the spiritual heart of Catholic Philippines. It stands in Intramuros, the old walled city built by the Spanish, and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, principal patroness of the country.
The present building is the eighth to occupy the site since the first church of nipa and bamboo was raised in 1571. Successive cathedrals were repeatedly destroyed by fires, typhoons, earthquakes, and, most devastatingly, the Battle of Manila in 1945. The current Romanesque-revival structure, with its rose windows, bronze doors, and great pipe organ, was completed in 1958 and elevated to a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II.
As the seat of the Archbishop of Manila, the cathedral hosts the most important liturgies of the local church and has welcomed several papal visits. It remains a busy place of worship and a popular venue for weddings, set against the historic backdrop of Intramuros.
- Location
- 14.5915, 120.9736
- Local time
- 06:34 (Asia/Manila)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sat | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 07:00–19:00 |
Touring limited during Masses and weddings; free entry
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Immaculate Conception (Virgin Mary) Saint
Cathedral dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, principal patroness of the Philippines
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Our Lady Help of Christians Saint
Marian title venerated in the Philippines, honoured in the cathedral
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Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Saint
First Filipino saint, venerated in the national mother church
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Saint Pedro Calungsod Blessed
Filipino martyr-saint venerated in the cathedral
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Pope Saint John Paul II Saint
Elevated the cathedral to minor basilica and visited; commemorated here
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Saint Joseph Saint
Venerated with a chapel/altar in the cathedral
Care & donations
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila
Free entry; donations accepted
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