San Agustin Church - Intramuros, Manila (must see)

Nestled within the walls of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is the oldest surviving stone church in the Philippines. The present church was built by the Augustinian order between 1587 and 1607 after two earlier churches on the site, constructed from bamboo and wood, were destroyed by fire. Designed by the Spanish architect Juan Macías, the church took more than two decades to complete and was eventually finished after Macías' death. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

The church's understated Baroque façade conceals a richly decorated interior that ranks among the finest in Southeast Asia. Visitors are welcomed by an impressive trompe-l'œil ceiling painted in the 19th century, creating the illusion of elaborate three-dimensional vaults and domes. Gilded altars, beautifully carved wooden furnishings, religious paintings, side chapels, and a historic pipe organ contribute to the church's remarkable atmosphere.

Throughout its long history, San Agustin Church has witnessed many defining moments in Philippine history. It was plundered during the British occupation of Manila in the 18th century, yet it survived numerous destructive earthquakes, including the devastating earthquake of 1863, which leveled many of the city's buildings. During the Battle of Manila in 1945, when much of Intramuros was reduced to ruins, the church again endured, making it one of the few major structures to survive largely intact. Within its walls lie the tombs of several prominent Spanish colonial figures, including Miguel López de Legazpi, the founder of Spanish Manila.

Adjoining the church is the former Augustinian monastery, now home to the San Agustin Museum, where visitors can continue exploring the history of the Augustinian order through religious art, colonial furnishings, manuscripts, and sacred artifacts.