Manila Cathedral
Among other historical landmarks within the city, the Manila Cathedral, officially named The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is a masterpiece of architecture located in Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila. First built in 1571 as a parish church, the cathedral was rebuilt several times due to wars and natural disasters, and the most recently was from 1954 to 1958 after the previous destruction in the Second World War. The cathedral now looks like an incredibly ancient edifice with antiquated Romanesque facade and graceful cupola. Inside the building, visitors can see a gilded altar, statues of famous saints sculpted in Roman travertine stone, and artistic stained glass windows in Marian themes. There is also a replica of the previous cathedral’s façade in the present northwest façade.