Last updated: 16 September 2024
San Agustin Chuch. The Oldest Stone Church in the Philippines.
Inside Intramuros, the historic walled city in Manila, there are important sites that serve as reminders of our nation’s history. The San Agustin Church is one of them.
The church, although unassuming when you look at it from the outside, serves as a library of historical events and architectural wonders. First built in the 1570s by the Augustinian priests using wooden materials, it was repeatedly destroyed until they finally decided to use stones for the rebuilding of a new one that started in the 1580s and finished in the early 1600s.
The San Agustin Church’s structural design was inspired by the churches in Mexico, only simpler. Aside from the small courtyard and Chinese-influenced lion statues, the main entrance’s doors with very elaborate carvings dominate the facade. Inside is a whole different story. Following a Baroque-style design, the church’s interiors are an explosion of details and textures. The ceiling features the intricate works of prominent Italian artists and century-old chandeliers.
It was hailed as a National Historical Landmark in 1976 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with three other Baroque churches in the Philippines in 1993.
If you are visiting soon, here are the things to expect.
San Agustin Museum Opening Hours
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Monday to Sunday
Notes:
- The opening hours might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
- The maximum capacity is 100 pax at a time.
San Agustin Museum Entrance Fee
- P200: Adults
- P160: Students, PWDs, Seniors, & Frontliners
How to Get to San Agustin Church
If you take the LRT 1, alight at either of these two stations: Carriedo Station or Doroteo Jose Station.
- From Carriedo Station, take a Pier-bound jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Manila Cathedral. The fare is P8-10. Travel time is about 10 minutes, depending on the traffic condition.
- From Doroteo Jose Station, ride a Baclaran/Mabini jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Intramuros. The fare is P8-10. The travel time is about 15 minutes, depending on the traffic condition.
San Agustin Church Interesting Features
- Main Entrance Doors. These intricately carved wooden doors scream Baroque influence.
- Ceiling. Look up and see the masterpiece of two renowned Italian artists — Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni. Don’t forget to appreciate the 19th-century chandeliers too!
- Main Altar. The elaborate carvings and reliefs on the retablo and the pulpit stay true to its Baroque theme.
- Museum. The former monastery beside the church is converted into a museum that displays ancient church relics and religious artworks.
- The Tomb. The church is also the final resting place of Juan Luna, some of the archbishops, previous governors-general, and well-known Spanish conquerors like Miguel López de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo, and Martín de Goiti.
- Other Notable Features. Grand pipe organ, the choir loft’s 17th-century Molave seats, the antechoir’s 16th-century crucifix, and the 14 side chapels.
San Agustin Church Mass Schedule
Here are the mass schedules:
- 7:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 6:00 PM (Sunday)
- 6:45 AM / 5:30 PM (Monday – Friday)
- 7:00 AM / 5:30 PM (Saturday)
Note: The schedules may change, so it’s best to contact the church management for updates before going.
San Agustin Church Wedding Rates and Policies
Basic/Regular Requirements
- The bride and the groom must submit a new copy of the Baptismal Certificate.
- The bride and the groom must submit a new copy of the Confirmation Certificate.
- Get a Marriage License from the Civil Registry of the city or town of either of the couple.
- The couple must secure a Certificate of Freedom to Marry.
- The couple must attend the Canonical Interview.
- The couple must attend the Pre-Cana Seminar: Saturdays at 1:00 PM.
- The couple must secure the Ecclesiastical Banns.
- The couple must provide a list of names and addresses of sponsors.
Wedding Rates
There are no set rates. It will vary based on inclusions, requests, and other factors. But to give you an idea, it ranges from P20,000 to P40,000. If you have questions, you may contact them at +63 (2) 8527-2746.
Attractions Near San Agustin Church
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an entrance fee? For church visit, admission is FREE! Note that when mass is ongoing, touring is not encouraged or not permitted at all. I read that when a wedding ceremony is in progress, the management will limit access or you cannot enter at all. The church’s museum has entrance fees. (See rates above.)
- Is there a parking space? Yes, in front of the church.
- Where can I contact the office/management?
Address: General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
Contact Number: +63 (2) 8527-2746 / +63 (2) 8425-4802 / +63 938 131 1285
Email Address: sanagustinchurch1571@gmail.com
Facebook Page: San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila
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Updates Log
2024 9 16 – Updated schedules, contact details, and other info
2021 3 10 – First up
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