The History of Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and it is located in the Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. 

In 1581, the first Manila Cathedral was made of nipa and bamboo but in 1582, Manila Cathedral was damaged by a typhoon and it was destroyed by fire on 1583.

The second Manila Cathedral was made of stone, it was built in 1592 but unluckily, it was also destroyed by an earthquake in 1600.

In 1614, the third cathedral was constructed that consists of three naves and seven chapels. But unfortunately, Manila Cathedral was again toppled by another earthquake which shook Manila in 1645.

The fourth cathedral was damaged also in 1863, by a very strong earthquake. It was constructed in 1654 to 1671, the earthquake is also damaged the Palace of the Governor General of the Philippines.

In 1870 to 1879, the fifth Manila Cathedral was built, blessed in December of 1879.

And the present cathedral was built in 1954 to 1958 during the term of Manila Archbishop Rufino Jiao Cardinal Santos; it was under the supervision of architect Fernando Ocampo. It was also elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1981 by Pope John Paul II.