Head Turner Church because of its awesome architectural design 😍☝️🙏

A historical and iconic church in the heart of Old Manila wherein its spires touch the skies on a bright Sunday morning. This holy place is actually made of metal and the aging is already showing. Currently The basilica is undergoing a much needed facelift; the makeshift retablo only excites what improvements may come soon and we can’t just wait to see it.

Historical, but a bit rundown by now. Still fully functional with mass being held. The church itself seem pretty small inside. There’s a school nearby. I like strolling around the neighborhood around here. Many old buildings around.

Steel structure built in the 1800s, by the Augustinian friars. All steel design was manufactured in Belgium, shipped by several galleons to the country and assembled by the local construction teams. Designed hollow steel foundations to withstand destructive earthquakes and sway with it, minimizing potential structural damage. Currently being restored and conserved to its full glory under the auspices of the National Museum of History. Visit while you still can. Walking tours are also available - all proceeds go to the restoration and conservation efforts.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I have not gone inside this church but I appreciated the detailed architectural design and the structure of this church. Wide parking space outside the church and some few street foods just after existing the gate. People are safe here because there are some security guards standing by near the church since said church is beside the entrance of san sebastian college and st. Rita college

This church has a great deal of significant Spanish / Philippine art, exhibits and history in various wings of the complex. It is a great way to spend the day. Plus the restaurant building directly adjacent is a fantastic tour of Chinese influence on this city. Great!

Very ideal for your wedding.. Archetictural design at its best.. Accomodating staff/church official.. #weddingsatSanSebastian #ManilaWeddings #weddingsbyfameevents #MetroManilaWeddings #WhenInSanSebastian #WheninManila

San Sebastian Church in Quiapo, Manila is the only Steel Gothic Church here in the Philippines, rich in Architectural details, currently it is under construction for the rust from the steel body of the Church is worsening through out the years. Please help also to fund up for conserving the San Sebastian Church as it contributes to our Historical Heritage in the Country. 💞✨🙏🏻😊

Completed in 1891, San Sebastian Church is noted for its architecture. An example of the Gothic Revival architecture in the Philippines, it is the only steel building church in the Philippines. It was designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and as a National Cultural Treasure in 2011. In any case, it is certain that Eiffel designed the metal structure of the church and it is strongly possible that the Spanish Architect Palacios was the one who designed the San Sebastian Church. San Sebastian stands on the site of first church of the Recollect Friars and first Carmelite shrine. Since three stone churches succumbed to earthquakes between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, a steel basilica was proposed in 1881 to withstand future tremors; it is the only all-steel church in East Asia. San Sebastian Church is built with a Gothic design and architecture. The prefabricated steel sections were imported from Belgium back then and is the only church in the world made from prefabricated steel. It is also the only completely made-of-steel church in Asia.

One of the less known churches in Manila but not to be ignored. This is a minor basilica and the inside and outside are under restoration, entirely built with metal materials, one of a kind for sure. It is adjacent to San Sebastian College. It is worth a visit.

Church is very classic. Very Gothic from its artistic stained glasses to the steel- made stracture. a must go church

If you like old churches this is a MUST. Builded in 1890s. This to me is more interesting design than Manila Cathedral. It’s under renovation but still beautiful and it’s not full of tourist.

Such a beautiful solemn place to be one with God

I loved this place because of it's exterior and interior designs. It's so striking outside and so exquisite inside. I would want to get married in churches like this one. It's so peaceful and I do my prayers with my eyes open because of its historic beauty. I loved how they spent so much effort to design and build this church. Truly, God and the people deserves this beauty.

The steel church is currently under repair in some parts of its structures yet they still do mass and accepts devotees. The church needs your help in the repair.

STURDY SAN SEBASTIAN - The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian, better known as San Sebastian Church or San Sebastian Basilica, is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church in Manila, Philippines. It is the church of the parish of San Sebastian. Noted for its Gothic Revival architecture and completed in 1891, San Sebastian Church is the only steel building church in the Philippines that was designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and as a National Cultural Treasure in 2011. San Sebastian Church is under the care of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, who also operate the San Sebastian College adjacent to the basilica. It is located at Plaza del Carmen, at the eastern end of Recto Avenue, in Quiapo, Manila. In 1621, Bernardino Castillo, a generous patron and a devotee of 3rd century Roman martyr Saint Sebastian, donated the land upon which the church stands. The original structure, made of wood, burned in 1651 during a Chinese Filipino uprising. Succeeding structures, which were built of brick, were destroyed by fire and earthquakes in 1859, 1863, and 1880. Spanish Architect Genaro Palacios was commissioned to build a church that will withstand the earthquakes and completed a design that fused Earthquake Baroque with the Neo-Gothic style. His final design was said to have been inspired by the famed Gothic Burgos Cathedral in Burgos, Spain. The first shipments of pre-fabricated steel sections arrived in 1888 and supervised by Belgian engineers, the first steel column was erected in 1890. The church was completed and consecrated on August 16, 1891. On May 16, 2006, San Sebastian Church was included by the National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines) in the Philippines' Tentative List for possible designation as a World Heritage Site, on account of its architectural and historical heritage. As of 2017, the church is no longer included in the Tentative List. In recent years, San Sebastian Church has encountered threats to its structural integrity. The steel structure has been beset by rust and corrosion due to sea breezes from nearby Manila Bay. State funding was accorded to the church through the National Historical Institute which undertook restoration in 1982. The Recollect community has likewise expended funds for the church's maintenance and restoration. In 1998, it was placed on the biennial watchlist of the 100 Most Endangered Sites by the World Monuments Fund, though it was not retained in the subsequent watchlists. It has long been reputed that Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer behind the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, was involved in the design and construction of San Sebastián, but this was never confirmed. However, it was confirmed later on that Eiffel was involved in designing and supplying the metal framework for San Ignacio Church in Intramuros not in San Sebastian.

San Sebastian Church in its full glory is a church made from metal. Structures outside and inside will definitely tell you that it is old yet magnificent. I believe that as of the moment they are undergoing renovation and retrofitting to save the structure of this Spanish Era church.

One of the most beautiful church in the Philippines. All metal made and a clear remnant of our colonial past.

San Sebastian Basilica always remind me of how small am I as an individual (despite being fat hehe) due to its twin and tall church towers pointing sharply to the sky with stability and reverence. However, the interiors of this basilica, for me, has a dim atmosphere due to low lighting. It may be good for the church to have its interiors completely well-lit, especially the ceiling inside, to give a better glorious aura, surely putting all mass-goers and spectators to their knees of reverence and pray. Long live the Basilica and may we keep it safe and protected from all sorts of construction!

Loved the church's atmosphere as I shared it with only 2 persons at the time of my visit. Visiting and praying in old churches with century of history is quite overwhelming. Although with the signs outside and stacked-up monoblock chairs under a tarpaulin canopy reminds us that we are still in the middle of the pandemic. It's one church I'd love going back to whenever I am in Manila.

Not so many had known that this church is just a short ride away from Quiapo Church. One of the oldest church in the Philippines. The structure/design of the church is amazing. We discovered this church when we are still living along Morayta. Hope that they will accumulate enough fund to maintain its structure.

(Translated by Google) The current building was completed in 1891. It is the oldest steel-framed church in Asia and the second oldest in the world. The inside was quiet and solemn. (Original) 現在の建物が完成したのは1891年。 鉄骨を使った教会としてはアジアで最古で、世界でも2番目に古いとされています。 中は静かで厳かな気持ちになりました。

I like the interior if it's dark. The lights give a stunning reflection on the ceiling and walls. San Sebastian Church or Basilica Minore de San Sebastian is a Minor Basilica in the City of Manila. The very first structure of this church is situated on a land donated by Don Bernardino Castillo, a devotee of Saint Sebastian, in 1621. It was made up of wood, but was burned in 1651. So it was then replaced by a structure made of bricks but was destroyed again by fire and earthquakes. A new plan was created and that was to build a fire and earthquake resistant structure. In 1880s, Esteban Martinez approached the Spanish architect, Genaro Palacios, to make a structure made of entirely of steel. 10/2016

Said to be the only pre-fabricated steel church in the world, this church is stunning mainly because of the height of its towers. The interior features a high ceiling with multiple pillars on its sides. The altar is beautiful. The walls and some of the statues on the sides, however, are in need of cleaning, scrubbing or repainting because of the accumulated dust and dirt. It is a good place for Visita Iglesia because of its proximity to other churches, such as the San Miguel church, St Jude Church, Our Lady of Monserrat church and Quiapo church.

Amazing Architecture and Empowering Priest. Also very good and even gothic interior. One of the best masses I have ever attended.

Beautiful structure standing strong after 100+ years. Hope that the Government creates initiatives that help the community to preserve both heritage and history.

as solemn as it could be on a holiday honoring one of our country's heroes very happy to know that it is still a very well kept and cared for church in Manila thank you mga kuya for keeping it clean and peaceful. thank you too for starting renovation work on the structure ❤️🙏❤️

Praying in San Sebastian Church can be a serene and spiritual experience. KNown for its beautiful Gothic architecture and unique design. Enjoyed our visit!

I could see two towers in the distance, bathed in the setting sun. I followed it with my gaze from inside the moving car and was speechless at how beautiful it was.This is a church I have always wanted to visit. The old and quaint interior was surrounded by beautiful stained glass. Why do I feel so calm when I sit there? Preparations are underway for a wedding today. A bouquet of flowers attatched to the Wedding Aisle. The day when someone becomes the happiest. I played that the circle of happiness would expand.

One of the most beautiful churches in Manila. The Basilica of steel :) Good place to try for you Sunday or anticipated Saturday mass. Parking is a bit limited so its up so come early or its up to chance (or nearby areas)

Solemn place

🙏😊

Good place to reflect and pray. It's also well ventilated and very comfortable to attend a mass.

One of the best and most beautiful church in the country.

beautiful church

San Sebastian Church is officially known as The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian. Rebuilt in 1891, after being damaged in an earthquake, it is the only Catholic Church made of steel in the Philippines. The church consisted of 2 towers of Gothic Revival architecture. It was designated a national historical landmark and a national cultural treasure.

Beautiful church

One of the most beautiful churches in the country with Gothic-style architecture and stained glass windows, it's worth the visit.

Still the church I once knew as a kid. The interior change a bit to modernize some equipment but overall atmosphere is still the same.

Praying for my niece board exam..and so happy to visit again from where I had graduated my high school graduation from 1982..🙏❤️🥰

Historical, romantic, peaceful and quiet. Great for weddings! It has its own reception area in the church.

Its a nice, quaint church. Very solemn place. My partner use to go here a lot when she was studying in the area so she just had to bring me here.

One of the Best Baroque Metal Clad church in the Philippines. Restoration efforts have been continously done to maintain its integrity and aesthetics.

Appears to me as a local church. The building appears slightly run down in the outside with the paint fading and some rust-looking stain. Relatively small church, sufficient for the community. There is also a small garden but it was closed when I visited. Confession booths available as well but only run on certain days if the week.

beautiful basilica, regular mass schedules, day tour packages available

Under renovation. Nostalgic when you go inside and see the designs, fixtures, and other things.

First time to be here. Beautiful and one of a kind to see gothic architecture in the Philippines mde from steel. It's currently being restored. There's parking inside but make sure you come when there is no mass so that it won't be packed and you won't disturb the service as well

Completed in 1891, San Sebastián Church represents Gothic Revival architecture. It is the only steel building church in the Philippines. It was designed as National Historical Landmark in 1973 and as a National Cultural Treasure in 2011. The first church devoted to Saint Sebastian, made of wood was built in the 17th century but burned in 1651. Succeeding structures were built of brick, but were destroyed by fire and earthquakes in 1859, 1863 and 1880. In 1880 Spanish architect Genaro Palacios came to an idea to build the church entirely of steel that would be earthquake-resistant. Prefabricated sections were manufactured in Belgium and Belgian engineers supervised the assembly of the church. The stained glass windows were imported from Germany.

This beautiful minor basilica of San Sebastian in Manila is only steel metal church in the Philippines is still under renovation. Please help thru your generous donations.

(Translated by Google) This church is easy to find and you are from p.ocampo hiway, it is very crowded with the residents but it is okay..don't be hot-tempered even if the weather is hot .. (Original) Madaling matunton ang church na ito oag galing ka ng p.ocampo hiway matrapik nga lng sa nagtahan pero ayos lng..huwag lng maging mainitin ang ulo kahit mainit ang panahon..

Wrong pin on the map. San Sebastian Church is at the back of San Sebastian College, San Rafael St.

Gothic

Very beautiful architecture with stained glasses. Incredible steel structured church. One of the oldest Catholic Church in Manila. Very solemn and peaceful environment. Such an amazing place to visit and reflect.

The unique Gothic church that is rare in a country full of Baroque Catholic architecture

Place of worship, solemn and blessed

The architecture is very unique. All metal and unique facade.

So divine, Spanish, Gothic, and serene!

Beautiful ❤️♥️❤️

(Translated by Google) Gothic church architecture is very beautiful (Original) 哥德式教堂建築非常美

I love the church, the only true Gothic Architecture style built in 1891. Our graduation(HS Batch70) rites was held inside the church.

The location of the steel church is not here, the correct location should be 100 meters north.

It's a nice church and very solemn. It is safe to go there

(Translated by Google) at first he was just close to us for only 4 minutes there to go to church..2nd is tues, wed and thursday he is always there because I am a clinic volunteer of caritas manila there is a clinic because san sebastian is so easy for skin. ♥ ️❤️ (Original) una po malapit lang sya samin mga 4minutes lang nandon kana pra mkapag simba..2nd is tues, wed and thursday lagi po nandon dahil isa po akong clinic volunteer ng caritas manila may clinic po kasi ang san sebastian kaya mas madali para skin.♥️❤️

Fine structure

Majestic neogothic steel church in Manila

Going here in an afternoon to just pray and relax is one of the most enjoyable thing to do. The Gothic architecture is really beautiful. The guards are nice people as well.

A unique church in Manila. It's historical. I love the architecture.

San Sebastian Church is located in old Manila, and is all made of steel fabricated from Europe. Outside the powder blue facade looks very plain and dainty, inside, the old steel walls were painted to look like marble. Antique wood carvings can be found inside. The church is a popular venue of chic weddings.

The church is made from full metal and it has one of the most beautiful and uniquely made church in the Philippines. A must visit if you drop by Manila during your visit in the Philippines.

Beautiful Church! I heard it's all made out of steel.

One of the cultural landmarks in Manila. Very old but still beautiful, well maintained and clean. The place alone gives one peace of mind.

The only steel church in Asia. A monolith structure.

The Only Steel church in Asia

A huge church near Quiapo Church. It has an amazing facade and it’s a good place to visit in Manila.

Brilliant architecture.

Very solemn 👼

Nice

❤❤❤

Also nice place

More so than the other well known churches in Intramuros, the San Sebastián church is spectacular. Must-go when in Manila.

It’s a beautiful church. My bestfriend got married here recently and I don’t remember if this is the first time I visited. The church seems to have bigger grounds that I was unable to explore due to the nature of my visit but the interiors are nice and having seen the altar up close, I would say it’s also really beautiful.

An old church made from iron, a symbol of the iron faith of christianity through ages

The serene ambience captivates each pilgrims longing for solace and enlightenment

Great church and one of it’s kind in the Philippines. Currently under construction due to wear and tear but still gives you a solemn and peaceful time with the Lord.

A breath taking God' s gift to us.

It was actually one of the National Historical Landmark and also recognized as a National Cultural Treasure here in the Philippines. You would really love to visit this Church. It's one of the churches that I really love. It has an overwhelming design inside and out.

True architectural marvel that needs a lot of tlc

Great Church

Great work of art!

Only steel yow

If you're going to take the Philippine Bar Exams, this is one of places you need to go, aside from University of Sto. Tomas and the OBC Supreme Court.