Intramuros in Manila in Metropolitan Manila First District, Metro Manila, Philippines — Southeast Asia
The Cathedral of Manila
Welcome!
February 15, 2026
1. The Cathedral of Manila Marker
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Concepcion, 1571. Elevated as a bishopric by Pope Gregory XIII, 1578; then raised as an archbishopric by Pope Clement VIII, 1595. First (1581-1583), second (1591-1600), third (1614-1645), fourth (1681-1751), fifth (1760-1852), sixth (1854-1863), and seventh (1879-1945) cathedrals on this site superseded by the present eighth structure. Built following the designs of National Artist Fernando Ocampo with stained glass windows by National Artist Galo Ocampo, 1956-1958. Elevated to the status of a basilica, motu proprio, by Pope John Paul II, 1981.
Erected by Intramuros Administration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1571.
Location. 14° 35.504′ N, 120° 58.39′ E. Marker is in Manila, Metro Manila, in Metropolitan Manila First District. It is in Intramuros. It is on Santo Tomas Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Santo Tomas Street, Manila, Metro Manila 1002, Philippines.
this page online
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 Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Ciudad Murada (within shouting distance of this marker); Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica (within shouting distance of this marker); In Grateful Recognition of the Generous Donations by the People of the Philippines (within shouting distance of this marker); In Gratitude for the Generous Financial Support by the People of Spain (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); In Recognition of the Generous Donation by the Japanese People (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers
February 15, 2026
2. The Cathedral of Manila Marker
Also see . . . Manila Cathedral (Intramuros Administration). The QR code on the marker leads to this page with some additional information. Excerpt:
Officially the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The present structure is the eighth version of the cathedral to stand on the site. It is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. The first structure, made of nipa and bamboo, was built in 1571 but destroyed by fire in 1583. The second cathedral was built of stone and mortar in 1591 but was damaged by earthquake in 1599 and 1600. The third cathedral was built in 1614 but was damaged by earthquake in 1621 and destroyed in 1645. The fourth cathedral was completed in 1681 and stood until it was damaged by typhoons and earthquakes and was demolished in 1751. The fifth cathedral was built in the Baroque style and was inaugurated in 1760. It was damaged by earthquake in 1852. The sixth cathedral, designed in the Neoclassical style, was inaugurated in 1858 but was destroyed by earthquake in 1863. The seventh cathedral was built in the Neo-Byzantine style and completed in 1879. The structure stood until 1945 when it was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The eight cathedral was built in the Neo-Romanesque style and was completed in 1958. It was elevated to the rank of Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1981.(Submitted on February 22, 2026.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2026. This page has been viewed 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
