San Agustin Church - Immaculate Conception Parish

San Agustín Church, within the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, is the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of four Baroque churches of the Philippines jointly inscribed for their distinctive 'Earthquake Baroque' architecture. Completed in 1607, this remarkable survivor has withstood earthquakes, fires, and wars (including the devastation of Manila in WWII, which destroyed almost everything around it) for over four centuries. Inside, the soaring nave dazzles with a trompe-l'œil ceiling painted to look three-dimensional, a grand carved retablo, antique chandeliers, and a beautiful cloister. The adjoining San Agustín Museum, in the old monastery, holds a rich collection of religious art and artefacts.

It's the centrepiece of Intramuros and an essential Manila stop, combining history, faith, and stunning Spanish-colonial architecture. A popular wedding venue, it remains an active church. Visit the church and museum together, and combine with Fort Santiago and the rest of Intramuros.

Don't miss

• The oldest stone church in the Philippines
• A UNESCO World Heritage 'Earthquake Baroque' church
• The trompe-l'œil three-dimensional ceiling
• The grand carved retablo and antique interior
• The San Agustín Museum in the old monastery

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit San Agustin Church - Immaculate Conception Parish

Cheapest way inViva Old Manila! : Intramuros Walking Tour5★ · 26 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →Most bookedManila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food5★ · 495 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$51 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleIntramuros Walking Tour: Explore the Manila's Walled City|Private5★ · 11 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$38 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Look up, the ceiling is a painted trompe-l'œil illusion of 3D carving.
• The church is free; the adjoining museum charges entry.
• It's a popular wedding venue, visit outside ceremonies for quiet.
• Combine with Fort Santiago and the rest of Intramuros.

A bit of history

Completed in 1607 by Augustinian friars, San Agustín is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It survived numerous earthquakes thanks to its robust design and was one of the few Intramuros buildings to survive the 1945 Battle of Manila. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.