Friday, September 02, 2005

CIUDAD DE DIOS (COMING SOON)


Basilica Minore de San Sebastian: A gem of gothic architecture - Asia's first and only all-steel church

The Philippines may not have the ancient temples and palaces like those of its Asian neighbors, but it does have most of the oldest structures ever built in the name of Christianity in this part of the world.

Manila alone is host to dozens of churches earning for itself the title of CITY OF GOD. Travel with me as we visit these marvelous works of man built in the service of God.

Location: Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo, Manila

Description: This small, jewelbox church is the first all-steel church in the Philippines and in Asia; and the second in the world. Design for the church was finished in 1883 and was prefabricated in Belgium. the completely knocked-down church was shipped backed to the Philippines in 6 ships. It weighed closed to 50,000 tons while its stained-glass windows which are intact until now were done in France. The best time to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the church, its towering spires and stained-glass windows, is at dusk.

How to get there?: From T.M. Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for Quiapo and take another PUJ going to San Miguel. Get off right after the PUJ has come down from Ayala Bridge. A 10-minute walk going to the church.

Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

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