Manila Cathedral

The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, commonly known as the Manila Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic basilica located at Plaza de Roma, Intramuros, Manila. The cathedral which serves as the seat of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines.

It is the oldest church in Manila, having been built in 1581. The cathedral was damaged and destroyed several times since its inception. The present cathedral was constructed from 1954 to 1958 and was consecrated as a minor basilica in 1981 by Pope John Paul II. 

Photo by: Norliks and Cha

Considered to be the mother of all churches and cathedrals in the Philippines, this cathedral is a preferred site for church weddings because of its historic architecture. The cathedral is the resting place for former prelates who have served the Archdiocese of Manila. It was used as a venue for the wake and Requiem Mass for the former President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino, who died on August 1, 2009. In an unprecedented move by the Archdiocese of Manila, protocol was not observed in permitting Aquino's remains to lie in state at the cathedral, making her the first woman to have been permitted to lie in state, as only Archbishops of Manila are accorded this honor.