A trusted Philippine travel blog with detailed guides, hidden gems, and cultural stories from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s 82 provinces.
I am not a Catholic by faith, but I love going to century-old churches in different parts of the Philippines because of their unique walls, artistic designs, and cool interiors. Also, these structures witnessed a lot of huge events centuries ago. They were even built or supervised by prominent and powerful people in the society. I've listed below the 9 old churches in Metro Manila that can be visited during Visita Iglesia.
The Paco Park, originally known as the Cementerio General de Dilao, is a recreational garden area and served as Manila's municipal cemetery during the Spanish colonial period. This structure was built in the 18th century and was completed in 1822. Its original design was to be a municipal cemetery for the influential and aristocratic Spanish families living in Manila and Intramuros, but it also served as a peaceful dwelling place for those victims of the cholera epidemic.
The National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila is a premier cultural institution that celebrates the artistry and creativity of Filipino masters. Housed in a neoclassical building once home to the old Congress, this museum showcases a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and works of art that tell the story of the nation’s heritage and identity. From Juan Luna’s iconic Spoliarium to contemporary masterpieces, the National Museum of Fine Arts offers an inspiring journey through the Philippines’ artistic legacy.
Located in Rizal Park, Manila, the National Museum of the Filipino People—now known as the National Museum of Anthropology—houses invaluable artifacts that tell the story of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. From pre-colonial treasures to ethnographic collections, it offers visitors a deeper understanding of the nation’s diverse history and identity.
