Manila Cathedral
| The Manila Cathedral | |
|---|---|
| Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | |
| The Mother Church of the Philippines | |
Main northwestern façade in August 2023. The statue of Rose of Lima, a national patroness, is decorated with flowers for her feast day. | |
| 14°35′29″N 120°58′25″E / 14.59147°N 120.97356°E | |
| Location | Intramuros, Manila |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language(s) | Filipino, English |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Sui iuris church | Latin Church |
| Tradition | Roman Rite |
| Website | manilacathedral |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Church of Manila |
| Authorising papal bull | February 6, 1579 |
| Status | |
| Founded | 1571 |
| Founder(s) | Fray Juan de Vivero |
| Dedication | Immaculate Conception |
| Dedicated | December 10, 2018 |
| Earlier dedication | December 10, 1958 |
| Consecrated | December 7, 1958 |
| Relics held | |
| Events | List
|
| Past bishop(s) | |
| Associated people | Miguel López de Legazpi |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Important Cultural Property |
| Designated | 2018 |
| Previous cathedrals | 7 |
| Architect(s) | Fernando Ocampo |
| Architectural type | Cathedral |
| Style | Neo-Romanesque |
| Years built | |
| Groundbreaking | December 8, 1954 |
| Completed | December 8, 1958 |
| Construction cost | ₱120 million (renovation) |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 2,000 |
| Length | 84.4 m (277 ft) |
| Width | 31.4 m (103 ft) |
| Nave width | 11.9 m (39 ft) |
| Width across transepts | 48.9 m (160 ft) |
| Other dimensions | Façade facing northwest |
| Number of floors | 2 |
| Floor area | 3,000 m2 (32,000 sq ft) |
| Number of domes | 1 |
| Number of towers | 1 |
| Tower height | 55 meters (180 ft) |
| Materials | Adobe and cement |
| Bells | 23 |
| Administration | |
| Province | Manila |
| Metropolis | Manila |
| Archdiocese | Manila |
| Deanery | Nuestra Señora de Guia |
| Clergy | |
| Archbishop | Cardinal Jose Advincula |
| Rector | Rolando R. Dela Cruz |
| Vicar(s) | Vicente Gabriel S.J. Bautista |
| Chancellor | Isidro T. Marinay |
| Laity | |
| Organist(s) |
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| Music group(s) | Manila Cathedral-Basilica Choir |
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as the Manila Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic basilica and cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Manila. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, the principal Patroness of the Philippines.
Originally constructed in 1571 as a parish church under the Archdiocese of Mexico, it became a separate diocese on February 6, 1579, via the papal bull Illius Fulti Præsido by Pope Gregory XIII. The original structure dates from 1581 and its 8th building re—construction was completed in 1958.
The basilica has merited three Apostolic Visits from Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Francis. On April 27, 1981, Pope John Paul II raised the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica through his motu proprio Quod Ipsum Manilensis.