Manila Cathedral-Basilica

Manila Cathedral-Basilica(Architecture)Introduction The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica informally known as Manila Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic Basilica located in Intramuros, Manila Philippines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines. Background The Manila Cathedral is the eight structure to rise in Manila. First church of nipa and bamboo built in 1571. Burned in 1583.

3 Second cathedral built of stone and mortar in 1591. Destroyed by 1599 and 1600 earthquakes. Third cathedral built in 1614. Destroyed by 1621 and 1645 earthquakes. Fourth cathedral built from 1654 to 1681. Damaged by typhoons and earthquakes, and subsequently demolished in 1751.

Fifth cathedral inaugurated in 1760. Renovated in 1850 but destroyed by earthquake in 1852. Sixth cathedral constructed from 1854 to 1858. Destroyed by earthquake in 1863. Seventh cathedral inaugurated in 1879. Severely damaged by earthquake in 1880 when its bell tower collapsed. Totally destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Manila.

Present, cathedral built from 1953 to 1958. Elevated to the rank of Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and officially named Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

ArchitectureStatus -> Minor BasilicaArchitect -> Fernando H. OcampoArchitectural Type -> Cathedral BasilicaStyle -> Neo Romanesque

StatuesThe main faade of the Manila Cathedral is graced by statues of famous saints sculpted in Roman travertine stone. In the old cathedral, they were originally made of molave wood.CarvingsThe faade of the Manila Cathedral is festooned with artistic bronze carvings representing its important historical episodes and giving homage to Mary, the Mother of God.PortalsBeneath the imposing rose-glass window, dominating the faade of the Manila Cathedral is the main portal executed in eight bronze panels by Italian sculptors Alessandro Monteleone and Francesco Nagni.

Central Nave Sculpted in bronze and engrafted to a gigantic pillar, serve as the holy water stoups at the cathedrals immediate entrance area from the main portal. At the far end of the central nave is the marble altar, glowing in brightness, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Main AltarThe principal altar of the Manila Cathedral is a tribute to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The frontispiece of this high altar is the impressive work of the German artist Toni Fiedler.

Communion RailThe communion rail is a dominating feature which complements the beautiful altar of the Immaculate Conception. It is made of fine rosette orange, cream and white marble from Carrara, Italy . At its center are two small wrought iron gates leading to the altar table. Each gate is designed with cast bronze sculptures at the center depicting a lamb and a swan. Encompassed by the communion rail are the Episcopal Throne.Episcopal Throne

is the seat of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila. Found at the left side of the main altar area, it is made of the richest and most significant marble that could be culled from the quarries of Carrara, Italy. The throne is featured with the escutcheon of the late Archbishop Rufino J. Cardinal Santos, the first Filipino Cardinal.