Location: Plaza del Carmen, Manila 1011, Philippines
Phone Number: +63 2 523 8411 (Tourism Board)
San Sebastian Church in Philippines is one of the rarest specimens of Gothic architectural splendor and the only sample in Asia. Located in Quiapo, a old district in Manila, this church is entirely made of steel. Hidden amidst a row of old houses in the locality, the steel frame and panels of San Sebastian Church speak of the immensity of the church. Societe Anonyme's foundry in Binche, Belgium manufactured the steel parts, which were brought to Manila first on June 12, 1888. It took two years to collect the steel parts for the local craftsmen who were later helped by the Belgian firm in constructing the San Sebastian Church. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this church was bestowed with the status of minor basilica on June 24, 1890. Within a year, it was opened.
You will spot groined vaults, steel parts of columns, walls and ceiling resembling the architectural style of Filipino artist Lorenzo Rocha. There are also confessionals, pulpit, altars, statues of holy men and women- tuned to the Gothic style blended with innovations of 19th century.
San Sebastian Church in Philippines has been accorded the status of National Historical Landmark as well as one of the Most Endangered Sites in the World by the World Monuments Watch in 1998.
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