Intramuros in Manila in Metropolitan Manila First District, Metro Manila, Philippines — Southeast Asia

Church of San Agustin

Photographed by I.G.V.Atajar, January 1, 2003

1. Church of San Agustin Marker

Inscription. Oldest stone church in the Philippines. Plans were approved in 1587 and completed in 1607 under the supervision successively of the Augustinian Fathers Francisco de Bustos, Ildefonso Perez, Diego de Avila and brother Alonso de Perea. Its architect Juan Macias. It has withstood many earthquakes from 1645 up to the present and survived the British invasion in 1762. The Spanish-American War in 1898 and the Japanese invasion in 1942. The church choir has 68 carved molave seats with Narra inlaids. An artistic lectern and parchment cantorals of the 17th and 18th centuries. The church and its graves were profaned during the British Occupation of Manila in 1762. The ashes of early Spanish Conquistadores Legazpi, Salcedo, Lavezares, and the blessed Pedro de Zuniga and others now rest in the easternmost chapel of the transept. Terms for the American Occupation of Manila were prepared in the vestry of the church in 1898. The first Philippine plenary council was held here in 1953 chosen as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

Erected 1994 by Philippine Historical Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in

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this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1587.

Location. 14° 35.36′ N, 120° 58.491′ E. Marker is in Manila, Metro Manila, in Metropolitan Manila First District. It is in Intramuros. It is on General Luna Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manila, Metro Manila 1002, Philippines. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Asia,

specifically in Southeast Asia,

in the Malay Archipelago,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in North Pacific,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a Spanish colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: San Agustin Church (a few steps from this marker); First Plenary Council of the Philippines (within shouting distance of this marker); Ad Maiorem Beatæ Mariæ Virginis Gloriam (within shouting distance of this marker); Plaza San Luis Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Colegio de Santa Isabel

Original Historical Marker (1934) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by I.G.V.Atajar, August 19, 2009

2. Original Historical Marker (1934)

(about 120 meters away); Plazuela de Santa Isabel (about 120 meters away); Memorare-Manila 1945 (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manila.

San Agustin Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by I.G.V.Atajar, August 19, 2009

3. San Agustin Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 2,524 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 1, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.