About San Sebastian Basilica
Standing tall in Manila’s Quiapo district, San Sebastian Basilica is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture and the only all-steel church in Asia. Completed in 1891, this UNESCO World Heritage candidate captivates visitors with its soaring spires, stained-glass windows, and timeless grandeur, making it both a religious and architectural treasure.
After meeting up at TIP Manila for my cap distributed by Street Style Originals, I planned to visit Paco Cemetery, but due to unfriendly weather conditions, I chose to visit San Sebastian Church in Manila, just a few meters away. For the second time, when I entered the church, I was still fascinated by its uniqueness; the walls, columns, floor, glass chandeliers, cabinets, and other parts looked really stunning.
Its first structure is situated on land donated by Don Bernardino Castillo, a devotee of Saint Sebastian, in 1621. It was made up of wood, but was burned in 1651. So it was then replaced by a structure made of bricks, but it was destroyed by fire and earthquakes. A new plan was created, and that’s to build a fire and earthquake-resistant structure. In the 1880s, Esteban Martinez approached the Spanish architect, Genaro Palacios, to make a structure made entirely of steel.
The steel used in building the present structure was manufactured in Belgium. They were transported in eight separate shipments from Belgium to the Philippines. The stained glass was imported from a German stained glass firm and applied by the local artisans.
More than a place of worship, San Sebastian Basilica is a symbol of resilience, artistry, and faith that continues to inspire generations. A visit to this iconic landmark offers not just a glimpse of history, but also a deeper appreciation of the Philippines’ cultural and spiritual heritage.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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