The Oldest Stone Church in the Philippines.
Inside Intramuros, the historic walled city in Manila, there are important sites that serve as reminders of our nation’s history. The San Agustin Church is one of them.
The church, although unassuming when you look at it from the outside, serves as a library of historical events and architectural wonders. First built in the 1570s by Augustinian priests using wooden materials, it was repeatedly destroyed until they finally decided to use stones for the rebuilding of a new one that started in the 1580s and finished in the early 1600s.
The San Agustin Church’s structural design was inspired by the churches in Mexico, only simpler. Aside from the UNESCO marker at the center of the church’s front yard and Chinese-influenced lion statues, the main entrance’s doors with very elaborate carvings dominate the facade. Inside is a whole different story. Following a Baroque-style design, the interior is an explosion of details and textures. The ceiling features centuries-old chandeliers and the intricate works of prominent Italian artists.
It was hailed as a National Historical Landmark in 1976 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with three other Baroque churches in the Philippines in 1993. Adjacent to the church is the sprawling San Agustin Convent Museum, housing a plethora of religious artifacts, carvings, manuscripts, books, and more. You’ll also find the church crypt, the final resting place of prominent names in Philippine history — Juan Luna, Miguel López de Legazpi, Teodoro Agoncillo, Maria Orosa, and Chit Estella.
If you are visiting soon, here are the things to expect.
How to Get to San Agustin Church
If you take the LRT 1, alight at either of these two stations: Carriedo Station or Doroteo Jose Station.
- From Carriedo Station, take a Pier-bound jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Manila Cathedral. The fare is around P13. Travel time is about 10 minutes, depending on the traffic condition. From Manila Cathedral, you can reach San Agustin Church on foot via General Luna Street in five to ten minutes.
- From Doroteo Jose Station, ride a Baclaran/Mabini jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Manila Cathedral. The fare is around P13. The travel time is about 15 minutes, depending on the traffic condition. From Manila Cathedral, you can reach San Agustin Church on foot via General Luna Street in five to ten minutes.
San Agustin Museum Opening Hours
Here’s San Agustin Museum’s opning schedule:
- Monday to Sunday
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Notes: The opening hours might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
San Agustin Museum Entrance Fee
As of writing, here are San Agustin Museum’s admission fees:
- P200: Adults
- P160: Students, PWDs, Seniors, & Frontliners
San Agustin Church Interesting Features
- Main Entrance Doors. These intricately carved wooden doors scream Baroque influence.
- Ceiling. Look up and see the masterpiece of two renowned Italian artists — Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni. Don’t forget to appreciate the 19th-century chandeliers too!
- Main Altar. The elaborate carvings and reliefs on the retablo and the pulpit stay true to its Baroque theme.
- Museum. The former monastery beside the church is converted into a museum that displays ancient church relics and religious artworks.
- The Tomb/Crypt. The church is also the final resting place of Juan Luna, some of the archbishops, previous governors-general, and well-known Spanish conquerors like Miguel LĂłpez de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo, and MartĂn de Goiti.
- Other Notable Features. Grand pipe organ, the choir loft’s 17th-century Molave seats, the antechoir’s 16th-century crucifix, and the 14 side chapels.
San Agustin Church Mass Schedule
Here are the mass schedules. These may change, so its always best to check the official website or Facebook page for updates.
- Monday to Friday
6:45 AM & 5:30 PM - Saturday
7:00 AM & 5:30 PM - Sunday
7:00 AM, 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Note: The schedules may change, so it’s best to contact the church management for updates before going.
San Agustin Church Wedding Rates and Policies
Basic/Regular Requirements
- The bride and the groom must submit a new copy of the Baptismal Certificate.
- The bride and the groom must submit a new copy of the Confirmation Certificate.
- Get a Marriage License from the Civil Registry of the city or town of either of the couple.
- The couple must secure a Certificate of Freedom to Marry.
- The couple must attend the Canonical Interview.
- The couple must attend the Pre-Cana Seminar.
- The couple must secure the Ecclesiastical Banns.
- The couple must provide a list of names and addresses of sponsors.
Wedding Rates
There are no set rates. It will vary based on inclusions, requests, and other factors. But to give you an idea, it starts at around P45,000.
Note: If you have questions, you may contact them at +63 (2) 8527-2746 or +63 9381311285. You can also send your inquiry to sanagustinchurch1571@gmail.com.
Attractions Near San Agustin Church
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an entrance fee?
For church visit, admission is FREE! Note that when mass is ongoing, touring is not encouraged or not permitted at all. I read that when a wedding ceremony is in progress, the management will limit access or you cannot enter at all. The church’s museum has entrance fees. (See rates above.) - Is there a parking space?
Only street parking is allowed, but slots are also limited in the area. - Where can I contact the office/management?
Address: General Luna Street, Intramuros, City of Manila, Metro Manila
Contact Number: +63 938 131 1285 / +63 (2) 8527-2746 / +63 (2) 8425-4802
Email Address: sanagustinchurch1571@gmail.com
Facebook Page: San Agustin Church – Immaculate Conception Parish
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Updates Log
2026 4 1 – Updated parking details, transportation rates, and how to get there info
2024 9 16 – Updated schedules, contact details, and other info
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