“The Mother of all Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas of the Philippines.”
Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, more commonly known as Manila Cathedral, traces its origin to the 1570s, when it was first established as the Church of Manila. In 1579, it became the first-ever church in the Philippines to be awarded a cathedral status, following the ecclesiastical independence from the Archdiocese of Mexico.
Over the centuries, the cathedral has endured repeated destruction caused by both natural and human causes. The present-day structure, the eighth to stand on the site, bears a Neo-Romanesque architectural style.
In 1981, the late Pope John Paul II moved to raise its status yet again to a minor basilica, making it the first in the Philippines to receive such distinction upon the initiative of a pope himself. Other basilicas in the country were granted the title through petitions from local churches.
Today, the Manila Cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. It is located at Cabildo Street corner Beaterio Street, Intramuros, Manila.
How to Get to Manila Cathedral
If you take the LRT 1, you can get off at either of these two stations: Carriedo Station or Doroteo Jose Station.
- From Carriedo Station, take a Pier-bound jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Manila Cathedral. The fare is around P13. Travel time is about 10 minutes, depending on the traffic condition.
- From Doroteo Jose Station, ride a Baclaran/Mabini or Pier-bound jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Manila Cathedral. The fare is around P13. The travel time is about 15 minutes, depending on the traffic condition.
Manila Cathedral Interesting Features
- Facade/Portal. The central main door’s artwork showcases the history of the Manila Cathedral. The whole facade is embellished with elaborate bronze carvings and statues.
- The Dome. The dome is one of the prominent features of the cathedral, especially when viewed from the outside. But inside, eight pairs of stained-glass windows adorn the half-orange dome.
- Stained Glass Window. The Manila Cathedral has a total of 134 stained glass windows. Most of them are the brainchild of contemporary artist Galo Ocampo. The designs and artworks depict some important scenes in the history of Christianity and the lives of saints, especially the Virgin Mary.
- Stone Art. The marble columns and pillars add texture to the church’s interior.
- Main Altar. The main altar is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, one of the many titles of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
- The Crypt. Located beneath the main altar, the crypt serves as the resting place of the three former Archbishops of Manila: Michael J. O’Doherty, Gabriel M. Reyes, and Rufino J. Cardinal Santos.
- Pipe Organ. Another popular feature of Manila Cathedral is the giant pipe organ installed at the choir loft, which is just above the main entrance behind the facade, opposite the main altar.
- The Chapels. The Manila Cathedral has eight chapels; one of them is the Chapel-Shrine of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, accented by a marble altarpiece.
Manila Cathedral Mass Schedule
Here are the mass schedules. These may change, so its always best to check the official website or Facebook page for updates.
- Monday to Friday
7:30 AM & 12:10 PM - Saturdays
7:30 AM - Sundays
8:00 AM, 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Manila Cathedral Wedding Rates and Policies
Reservation Requirements
Before you can reserve, here are some requirements:
- Both parties must submit the Photocopy of the Baptismal Certificate.
- Both parties must attend the Orientation on Wedding Rules and Regulations.
- For foreigners or divorcees, submit the Proof of inquiry or visit the Chancery Office.
- For those who want to renew their vows for wedding anniversaries, present the Church Marriage Certificate.
- Reservation fee.
Notes:
- The reservation can only be done online. For reservation fee and other reservation-related inquiries, visit the official website, then go to “All About Weddings” section, and choose “Make New Reservation”. You can also contact the office at this number: +63 (2) 8527-3093.
- Payment for the reservation can be done on the orientation day itself or within two weeks AFTER attending the wedding orientation. You will sign a confirmation form to seal your wedding date.
- For reservation fees and other payments, you can do it online, over-the-counter bank payment, or personally at the office.
For the complete process, you can check it here.
Basic/Regular Requirements
- Both the bride and groom must submit the original copies of their Baptismal Certificate and Confirmation Certificate. There should be a note saying that it’s for “marriage purposes”.
- The couple must have their Marriage Banns posted for three consecutive Sundays at their respective parishes.
- The couple must attend the Canonical Interview.
- The couple must also attend the Pre-Cana Seminar.
- For Filipino citizens, present the Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from PSA/NSO.
- The couple must secure a Marriage License from the Civil Registry of the city or town of either of the couple. This must be valid for 120 days or 4 months only.
- For couples who have married through a civil wedding, they must present the PSA/NSO copy of the Marriage Certificate.
Notes:
- For special cases, you may get additional requirements information from the official website.
- If one party is not Catholic, you can still marry and celebrate your wedding at Manila Cathedral.
- If both parties are working or living abroad and only want to have their wedding here, you still need to have your wedding interview at the Manila Cathedral office one month prior to your wedding date.
Wedding Rates
There is no exact rate. The management will base the rates on various factors, but they range from P35,000 to over P50,000.
The full payment must be done at least two months before the wedding date.
Notes:
- The management of Manila Cathedral only allows its in-house florist for the church’s flower arrangement.
- The management allows a maximum number of eight (8) pairs of Sponsors.
- There are the official wedding vows during the ceremony. Your personal vows will have to wait until the celebration at the reception.
- You may bring your preferred priest to officiate the wedding ceremony. Just coordinate with the management.
- The Manila Cathedral, being a historical site, is still open to the public even during wedding ceremonies. However, there are church staff and personnel that will control the crowd.
Attractions Near Manila Cathedral
Here are just some of the attractions close to Manila Cathedral:
- Fort Santiago
- Plaza Moriones
- San Agustin Church
- Bahay Tsinoy
- Casa Manila
- Centro de Turismo Intramuros
- Museo de Intramuros
- Baluarte de San Diego
- Baluarte de San Andres
- National Museum Complex
- Rizal Park/Luneta Park
- Pasig River Esplanade
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an entrance fee?
None. Admission is free. - Is there a parking space?
Yes - Where can I contact the office/management?
Address: Cabildo Street corner Beaterio Street, Intramuros, City of Manila, Metro Manila
Contact Numbers: +63 (2) 8527-3093 / +63 (2) 8527-1796 / +63 (2) 8527-3889 / +63 9175412103
E-mail Address: office@manilacathedral.com.ph (Baptism/Confirmation) / weddings@manilacathedral.com.ph (Wedding) / events@manilacathedral.com.ph (Special Events) / donation@manilacathedral.com.ph (Donations)
Official Website: www.manilacathedral.com.ph
Facebook Page: The Manila Cathedral
- What is Manila Cathedral’s office schedule?
Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Mondays & Holidays, CLOSED
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