The Church of San Agustin is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It was constructed from 1586 to 1606 under the consecutive supervision of Augustinian Fathers. The building was so stable that the periodic earthquakes produced minimal damage. Terms for the surrender of Manila to the Americans by the Spaniards were discussed in the church in 1898. Damaged in the Battle of Manila in 1945 when the Americans liberated the Philippines from the Japanese. It was repaired years after the war. The first Philippine plenary council was held here in 1953. One of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1993 by UNESCO.
It is located along Gen. Luna Street besides the CBCP building and just across the Casa Manila. The museum is on the right side where a monastery previously stands. Its visitors during hours where there is no mass are mostly tourist, even non-Catholic tourists. The museum charges 100 pesos for entrance fee.
The entrance room is not that stylish but still stimulates interest. The very first thing a visitor sees is the large bell at the center of the room. It is quite dark so some of the paintings are hard to see.
The museum is a two – story square gallery that you will walk clock-wise and is enclosing a garden with a fountain on the center. Visitors can take pictures with no flash along the walkway. There are a few rooms however where picture taking is not allowed. On the easternmost part of the museum is a burial chamber where the ashes of early Spanish conquerors and former priests now rest.
At the left of the first walkway is an entrance leading to the church. Figures of four saints are placed on this door.
The church walls and ceiling are elegantly designed. Images are artistically made and are on display on each corner of the church. The church choir has 68 carved molave seats with narra inlaid and an artistic book-stand.
The grand stairway of the museum only has a faint light.
The second floor has more lighting making it easy for me to take clear photos. Majority of the exhibits here are paintings but there is a separate room for artifacts. The religious library is also located here although its conservation and organization is still on-going.
The entire visit to the church and its museum will take about half to one hour, though it might take longer if you wish to know more about the details. Overall the visit to the church of San Agustin is a great experience, especially if you are a devoted catholic.
