Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral
4
About
Former Philippine archbishops are buried in a crypt under the altar of this majestic cathedral, whose 1951 completion commemorated the the five versions that came before it.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.2
1,166 reviews
Excellent
452
Very good
478
Average
205
Poor
24
Terrible
7
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Dan L
Bunbury, Australia9,018 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
A brief stop on a busy shore excursion itinerary, time enough to get a few photos of both the exterior and interior. External signage was very informative, the official title being, "Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception", the present building the 8th built on the site, the first in 1571 was a simple church which was declared a Cathedral in 1581. Earthquakes, fire and war have not been kind to the Cathedral over the centuries. The present building dates to 1958, the year it was completed and consecrated.
Written December 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harirajan Varatharajan
Penang Island, Malaysia275 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
The Manila Cathedral is a breathtaking historical and religious landmark in the heart of Intramuros, Manila. Its stunning Romanesque Revival architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and majestic bronze doors make it a must-visit for both tourists and worshippers. The cathedral’s rich history, dating back to the 16th century, adds to its charm, and despite multiple reconstructions, it has remained a symbol of faith and resilience. Inside, the serene atmosphere and beautifully adorned interiors create a peaceful space for prayer and reflection. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or spirituality, the Manila Cathedral is a truly awe-inspiring destination.
Written January 30, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elle
Manila, Philippines318 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I visited on a rainy Sunday. I like the ambiance of the church and the cafe inside the church premises. I like how the cafe could be a venue for prosopals and how the staff are willing to participate and help preparations for such events.
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yokomori
Harumi, Japan1,763 contributions
Jul 2024 • Business
Founded during Spanish rule in Manila's historic district of Intramuros.
Built in the early 16th century and has undergone numerous reconstructions and restorations to its present form, 60,000 bags of cement were donated and used by Japan during reconstruction.
Religious events are held on Sundays when you visit, making it a worthwhile spot for those interested in history and religion.
Built in the early 16th century and has undergone numerous reconstructions and restorations to its present form, 60,000 bags of cement were donated and used by Japan during reconstruction.
Religious events are held on Sundays when you visit, making it a worthwhile spot for those interested in history and religion.
Automatically translated
Written July 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
気まぐれな旅人
Manila, Philippines6,350 contributions
Mar 2024 • Business
I visited here with a business partner for sightseeing. When I come to Manila, I always visit the Manila Cathedral. When I visited this time, the road next to the Cathedral was closed due to construction work, so the detour was crowded with cars. Well, the roads in Intramuros are not very wide, so it can't be helped. There was security set up when entering the Cathedral. I don't think it was there before... There were people selling tourist attractions and souvenirs in front of the Cathedral, but there were fewer than before. It's a good place to visit at least once if you come to Manila.
Written April 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
County-Hunter
Tacoma, WA3,735 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This church has a pretty incredible story as the current church is version #8 from when it was originally visit. The previous ones have all been destroyed by either war or natural disasters. This is why it isn't a UNESCO world heritage site, but it is just as nice.
The only thing that was off putting were the cheap plastic chairs that they use for parishioners.
The only thing that was off putting were the cheap plastic chairs that they use for parishioners.
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YuppieLionheart
Philippines674 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
The Manila Cathedral was known as the premier church, cathedral and basilica of the country. It was bombed in 1945 and was rebuilt again. In 1970s, it was visited by Pope Paul VI wherein thousands of people came to the mother church of the country. In 1981
Written August 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Виталий П
Izma, Russia3,680 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
The cathedral is located in the historical part of Manila, near Fort Santiago. Built in 1571 as a parish church. The nearest metro station is United Nation which is approximately 1.5 km away.
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SEALS
Tokyo, Japan495 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
Stained glass and pipe organ is a famous church. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the nearest station, Central Terminal Station, but it is a good location to visit together with the nearby Church of San Augustin and Fort Santiago. There were relatively many foreign travelers. The area is littered with recruiting drivers and tourist stalls.
Automatically translated
Written March 3, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA4,579 contributions
Mar 2025 • Couples
It has a nice history having been destroyed and rebuilt through the centuries, though the present incarnation feels kind of plain and lacking any notable characteristics. We walked through rather quickly and moved on to other sites in this old part of Manila. Worth a quick walk through.
Written March 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Attending a wedding at the Cathedral. Where can I park?
Written May 9, 2019
There is a parking lot behind the Cathedral, not sure of the parking fee.
Written May 20, 2019
Will there be an English Mass on Palm Sunday? If so, what time?
Written March 27, 2019
Very likely. If the time is not suitable for you, you can try at the Chinese Church nextdoor. They too are likely to have. They had an English Midnight Mass for Christmas 2018. Both are very nice places for mass; very homely congregation. Both are just opposite the Ramada Manila Central; an excellent place to stay, if you are attending service at Manila Cathedral or Chinesee Curch.
Written March 28, 2019
What is the schedule of Christmas eve and christmas mass in 2018? I plan to go to Manila on Christmas day... please help 😁
Written October 31, 2018
What is the schedule of the mass during christmas ?
Written December 11, 2017
I'll be traveling to Manila tomorrow but with the recent incident in Resorts World, we're thinking to cancel the trip.
May I know what the condition is like in Manila City now? I'll be staying in Mandaluyong. Thanks
Written June 3, 2017
Dear Traveller,
The recent incident in Resorts World is an isolated man. News have been exaggerated and some connecting this to an act of terrorism. It definitely is not. It is an act of a frustrated gambler who lost his job, his wife and family and lost his mind. So sad though that he had to go with a BANG causing so much harm to the casino and to innocent lives.
Kimi
Written June 5, 2017
Is it possible to visit the crypt of the Cathedral. I saw the entrance to the crypt on a recent visit but it was cordoned off - is it ever open to the public?
Written December 15, 2016
I am sure. But I didn't have a guided tour to relay any. But based on its amazing history, I am sure there are a few urban legends.
Written November 29, 2016
Scusa Massimo, ma la Cattedrale non è l'unico monumento salvato dai bombardamenti; infatti è stata ricostruita per la settima volta dopo la II guerra mondiale; a poca distanza c'è il complesso di S. Agostino che è perfettamente preservato ed è forse quello a cui ti riferivi.
Puoi confermare?
Written May 11, 2015
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