Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño (Cebu City)

Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño

The basilica was once known as the San Agustin Church. It was built by Legaspi and Urdaneta for the 30-cm high image of Sto. Niño. The statue is said to be a gift from Magellan to Raja Humabon’s wife and recovered unscathed in a pinewood box by Juan Camus on April 27, 1565. It is enshrined in a small chapel in the left part of the altar.

The first church was built using wood and nipa by Fr. Diego de Herrera but was destroyed by fire on November 1, 1566. They replaced the burnt church with that made of stone by 1606 but was again set on flames on March of 1628. It was rebuilt soon after with stones and bricks by Fr. Juan de Medina but was demolished by Fr. Jose Bosqued in 1731. The present stone structure was started on February 29, 1735 by Fr. Diego Bergano, Gov. Gen. Fernando Valdex and Bishop Manuel Antonio Decio and was completed by Fr. Juan de Albarran in 1740. It was restored and reinforced in 1782 and was again slightly restored in 1889 by Fr. Mateo Diez who added the windows. The church and the convent was reestablished in 1965 during the 4th centennial of the Christianization of the country. The retablos on the sides, the old organ and some portions of the monastery were removed. During the 400th year of Cebu’s Christianization on April 28, 1965, the church was conferred to the title, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño by Hildebrando Cardinal Antonuitti papal legate of Pope Paul VI. The basilica is considered to be a national landmark in the island.

The church has an impressive, solid façade. It is mixture of Muslim, Romanesque and Neo-Classical Features. It is divided into two levels with shallow pilasters dividing each storey into three segments. The graceful, Muslim-inspired, trefoil arched the main entrance is glanced by shallow, rectangular, statued niches above which are the semi-circular arched windows of the second level. It is topped by a double-edged triangular pediment. The baroque style bell tower has two alternate shaped blind and open windows ending up in triangular pinnacles with a circular disc. It is crowned by balusters and a Muslim-influenced dome. The convent, finished in 1796 is located at the opposite far end.

The interior is composed of a painted ceiling, finely carved retablo and a choir loft. The image of Our Lady of the Fort (Nuestra Señora de la Cotta) adorned the baptistery. The image was recovered in the vicinity of the church while Fort san Pedro was being built in 1565. It is believed to be the one given by Pigafetta (Magellan’s Chronicler) to Queen Juana on the day of their baptism. Among the treasures inside the church is the Ecce Homo (Bust of Christ), believed exhumed from a spot near the church on August 20, 1572 by a Spanish soldier while digging for the foundation of his house. The image was in a coffin containing the remains of an imminent person identified as Raxa Carli which could have been a Latin version of Raja Carlos as Raja Humabon had been christened.

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Visita Iglesia’s Top 5 Churches for Weddings

It may be grand or solemn – a family affair or the talk of the town. The motif may range from black to white – and the budget… Let us not talk about money. The aisle may be long or some may prefer it short because their beautiful new shoes are killing them. The altar may be simple or elaborate as the church may be big or just a small chapel up on the hill side. At the end of it all, it will all come down to the will you’s and I do’s.

The church hosts one of the blessed sacraments in the lives of two individuals bound to spend the rest of their lives together — the holy matrimony.

Iloilo is sorrounded with wonderful houses of worship where couples could choose where to held the momentous occasion. Visita Iglesia picks five among over a dozes beautiful churches over Metro Iloilo on where to speak your vows and start forever with the man or woman of your dreams.

St. Joseph Parish (Jaro, Iloilo City)

This beautiful modern church found in Jaro has been one of the top choices of Visita Iglesia. It is situated in the section of the city that is moderately busy. With a function room found inside the premises, reception is not a problem. The altar offers a drama that no photgrapher can refuse, a sole cross in the middle and a well-elevated altar proved to be an interesting backdrop for wedding photos.

St. Clements Church (La Paz, Iloilo City)

This white church under the Redemptorists sits in the heart  of the busy La Paz district. Not only that this church is accessible – but the altar provides a view that enchants photographers and people alike. The ventilation is good since both sides are open for air to pass freely inside the church.

San Agustin Church (Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City)

One of the newest church to be built and already gained so much popularity because if its commendable modern design.

Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova (Miag-ao, Iloilo)

The interiors of the Miag-ao Church is as breathtaking as its façade. Found in the outskirts of the city and one of the coastal town in Iloilo, the church is one of the island’s most treasured ancient structure that has been preserved not just for tourists but for special occasions such as weddings. A wide array of beach resorts offer a great venue for an after party.

Jaro Cathedral (Jaro, Iloilo City)

This majestic structure in the center of Jaro is the only cathedral found in Iloilo City. Although the church is undergoing major renovation, the glorious aura of this citadel ramins with its long aisle and wide nave. A function hall found inside the premises can cater to your reception needs.

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