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

Manila Cathedral

Roman Catholic Cathedral of Manila

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

1. Manila Cathedral Marker

Inscription. First cathedral built in 1581. Damaged by a typhoon, 1582 and destroyed by fire, 1583. Second Cathedral built of stone in 1592 and partially destroyed by earthquake, 1600. Third Cathedral built in 1614 and destroyed by the earthquake of 1645. Fourth Cathedral magnificently built in 1654-1671 by Archbishop Miguel Poblete and destroyed by the earthquake of 3 June 1863. Fifth Cathedral built in 1870-1879 under architects Luciano Oliver, Vicente Serrano Salaverria and Educardo Lopez Navarro and solemnly blessed in December 1879. The center of the cross on the dome is a reference point of astronomical longitudes of the archipelago. Destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Sixth Cathedral reconstructed, 1954-1958, under the direction of Archbishop Rufino J. Santos of Manila mainly with the support of the people. Fernando Ocampo, architect.

Erected 1958 by Philippine Historical Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is June 3, 1863.

Location. 14° 35.502′ N, 120° 58.403′ E. Marker is in Manila, Metro Manila, in Metropolitan Manila First District. It is in Intramuros. It is on Sto. Tomas Street, on the right when traveling east

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. 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: Pope John Paul II (a few steps from this marker); Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica (a few steps from this marker); In Grateful Recognition of the Generous Donations by the People of the Philippines (a few steps from this marker); In Gratitude for the Generous Financial Support by the People of Spain (a few steps from this marker); The Cathedral of Manila (within shouting distance of this marker); In Grateful Acknowledgment of the Generous Donation by the People of the United States of America (within shouting distance of this marker); Jaime L. Cardinal Sin Ground Belfry (within shouting distance of this marker); Manila Cathedral-Basilica Carillon Bells (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manila.

Manila Cathedral image. Click for full size.

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

2. Manila Cathedral

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

3. Manila Cathedral Marker

The Manila Cathedral is the sixth structure to rise on this site. First church of nipa and bamboo built in 1581. Burned in 1583. Second church lasted until 1588 when it was blown by a typhoon. Third Cathedral of "three naves and seven chapels" started in 1584. Completed in 1614. Destroyed in 1645 earthquake. Fifth church built from 1872 to 1879. Destroyed in 1945 during the Battle of Manila. Sixth cathedral built from 1953 to 1958. Elevated to the rank of Basilica Minore by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and officially named Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

5th Manila Cathedral image. Click for full size.

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

4. 5th Manila Cathedral

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 3,520 times since then and 245 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2009, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.