Top 10 Must-Visit Beautiful Churches in the Philippines

Manila Cathedral (also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception). Situated in Intramuros-Manila, it has undergone numerous repairs and renovations due to various earthquakes, floods, wars, and even fires.

Established as a parish in 1571 and upgraded to a grand church in 1581, it was initially constructed using nipa, bamboo, and wood. From a simple parish, Manila Cathedral is now recognized as the principal church of all churches and cathedrals. It also serves as the resting place for former Archbishops in Manila.

The front facade boasts a beautiful design with rose windows, multiple prayer houses, statues, altars, and intricate carvings. The architecture follows a Neo-Romanesque style. Inside features an attractive vaulted ceiling, captivating the eyes of all, with a floor made of marble. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Address: Cabildo, 132 Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

Santo Niño Church, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child in Cebuano, is the oldest church in the Philippines.

Built in 1565 by an Augustinian friar - Fr. Andres de Urdaneta, the church is believed to stand on the spot where explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi found an image of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

In its early years, Santo Niño Church suffered several fires until its completion in 1739. Today, it is recognized as the Pilgrimage Center, an amphitheater-like structure that can accommodate hundreds of worshipers and is also the focal point of the Sinulog Festival - one of the country's most popular festivals.

Considered the mother church of all churches nationwide, the façade combines Moorish, Romanesque, and Neoclassical styles. Preserved with the natural stone-colored structure, it was heavily affected by the 2013 earthquake that struck the Visayas region. The façade and bell tower were damaged but later restored, reopening to the public. Every third Sunday of January, the church attracts numerous devotees, locals, and tourists alike, celebrating the Sinulog Festival - a thanksgiving for the blessings received from the Holy Child Señor Sto.

Address: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

Another national historical landmark in the heart of Manila is San Agustin Church. Established in 1624, history recounts that the church was originally settled in an area called Huluga or Himologan, later moved to Cagayan de Oro. It was relocated to its current site because it was believed to be easier to defend the church from pirates and foes.

Like other church architectural works, San Agustin Church has faced a challenging past, having been razed by fire twice in its early days. It endured multiple attacks by non-Catholic forces from Mindanao due to being made of lightweight materials. Finally, in 1607, the church was reconstructed from wood to unfired stone.

Architecturally designed in the Neo-Gothic style, the exterior features Baroque influences, making San Agustin Church renowned for its opulent interior and stained glass windows inspired by the Raphaelite style, making it a popular wedding venue. Inside, one can admire large trompe l'oeil paintings covering the walls and the church's ceiling, Parisian-style chandeliers, and intricately decorated pulpits. Today, it stands as the oldest stone church in the country.

Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Named after its patron saint - St. Martin, with dimensions measuring 88.6 meters in length and 48 meters in width. Taal Basilica, also known as the Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, holds the record as the largest church in the country and Asia. Constructed during the Augustine era, this historical church is located in the center of Taal, Batangas.

Inside, Taal Basilica boasts walls and ceilings adorned with trompe l'oeil paintings, featuring realistic images with a three-dimensional effect. Although the site faced considerable damage from a double earthquake in April 2017, the government is actively working towards its preservation.

With Baroque-themed architecture, inspiring design, from the facade to the interior, it is known for its meticulously detailed facade, columns, and iconic stained glass windows. From the bell tower, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Balayan Gulf and Taal Lake. Not only the largest, but Taal Basilica is also one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Address: VWJF+6WV, Calle San Martin, Taal, 4208 Batangas, Philippines

St. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, commonly known as Miagao Church.

Established in 1731, Miagao Church led by the Augustinians is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993 with the title of Baroque Church of the Philippines and also declared a national shrine by former President Ferdinand Marcos.

With thick walls believed to be a fortress against the Moros in the past, this Baroque Romanesque architectural masterpiece showcases artistic sculptures. On the facade, one will see the image of St. Christopher carrying the Child Jesus.

Miagao Church is also known for its distinctive earthy color attributed to eggs, baked bricks, and limestone used in its construction. It is renowned for the detailed facade containing relief sculptures depicting the local life during construction. Inside, a large gold-plated painting is featured. This impressive design is considered an architectural gem, introducing the culture and authentic lifestyle of the Filipino people.

Address: J6RP+P54, Zulueta Ave, Miagao, 5023 Iloilo, Philippines

Baclayon Church, also known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is considered one of the oldest stone Catholic churches in the Philippines. Built in 1717 by the locals, it was previously the residence of Spanish Recollect missionaries but had to be relocated to Loboc due to the threat of marauding Moro raiders.

Structured in the neo-classical style, constructed from coral stones forming a cross-shaped church. The junction (cross-section) enclosed by a pyramidal wall. The original tiled roof has been replaced with galvanized iron. The facade is simple in design, the upper half concealed by an expanding pitched roof, housing an 1824 pipe organ.

Decorative walls feature angelic heads and wings symbols. Main paintings are replaced by single-colored tin panels, also present on the church ceiling. Above the altar is a ceiling painting depicting the Last Supper along with a Spanish inscription dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Baclayon Church has been declared a National Cultural Treasure and a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Formerly listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in the Philippines, until 2013 when the church was completely destroyed by a 7.2 magnitude Richter scale earthquake. Adjacent to the church is a museum with a collection of artifacts spanning centuries. Undoubtedly, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Address: Baclayon Church Municipal Tourism Activity Center, 6301 Philippines

St. Sebastian Church stands as one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the Philippines. With a century-old history, built in 1876, it serves as the seat of the Diocese of Bacolod in the Roman Catholic Church. The Baroque architecture was crafted through the voluntary assistance of local devotees, contributing stones, bricks, and even donating some assets to the church.

Completed in 1891, it is the country's and Asia's first all-steel structural edifice, second only to the famous Eiffel Tower worldwide. The church is named after the first Christian martyr - St. Sebastian. A statue at the main altar depicts him with two arrows piercing his body and one on his neck. He is the patron saint of archers and athletes. The site is not only magnificent in material terms but also a sacred place constructed with faith and devotion. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

St. Sebastian Church was recognized as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011. Beyond numerous accolades, it is renowned for its grand interior. Marvel at the awe-inspiring paintings of saints by artist Lorenzo Rocha and his disciples on the church's steel vault. The towering ribbed columns and intricately designed ribbed-vault ceiling will leave you in awe.

Address: Pasaje del Carmen St, Quiapo, Manila

St. John the Baptist Church, commonly known as Jimenez Church. Constructed in the latter half of the 19th century, this Baroque and Renaissance-style structure is recognized as one of the best-preserved interiors of a Roman Catholic Church in Mindanao.

The facade is elegantly arranged with four columns adorned with reliefs depicting the lives of saints. Next to the main door, a central window is pierced by a pair of rectangular windows framed by intricately decorated paintings. On the right side of the church is a simple four-tiered bell tower, creating a contrast with the opulent facade.

St. John the Baptist Church has undergone renovations, expanding the facade and transforming the original swaying motion of the stone base into a simple triangular roofline. In recent years, a new wooden door intricately carved with various scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist has been installed at the main entrance.

In 2001, it was declared a Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and is one of 26 churches of the Spanish colonial period under the conservation program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). As a significant heritage site and one of the main attractions in Misamis Occidental, it undoubtedly remains on the list of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Address: 8RPR+9XQ, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Cebu Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Angels and St. Vitales. Established as a Diocese in 1595, it later became an Archdiocese in 1934.

During World War II, the cathedral suffered severe destruction from bombings, leaving only the bell tower, facade, and walls. In terms of style, Cebu Cathedral is designed in the Baroque-Rococo style, characteristic of Spanish colonial churches, specifically the square-plan church with thick walls to withstand storms and other natural disasters.

The facade stands out with a tree-shaped pedestal adorned with intricate floral patterns: phoenix, images of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the medal of the Holy Name of Jesus made of seashells. The Royal Coat of Arms of Spain is decorated with low reliefs above the main entrance. In addition to being a sacred place for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, it is also the final resting place of the remains of bishops and clergy of Cebu.

Address: 6000 Mabini St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Jaro Cathedral, also known as St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church (commonly referred to as Jaro Cathedral or National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candle). Constructed in Panay in 1864. It represents a historical site with a 16th-century “Stone Carving” of the Virgin Mary carrying the infant Jesus and a lit candle on hand.

This Romanesque Revival-style architectural masterpiece has its unique charm, with the bell tower placed across the street at Jaro Plaza. Another distinctive feature is the array of all-male Saints placed on the main pillars, except for the icon of the Virgin Mary. The staircase integrated with the cathedral's facade leads to the shrine with the statue of Our Lady of the Candle.

Within the compound are various offices of the Archdiocese and parishes, along with a perpetual adoration chapel. A short distance away stands the Archbishop's Palace. In 1976, Jaro Cathedral was declared a historical landmark by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

Address: PHF4+9CH, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines