Philippines — Manila Cathedral, Manila, Philippines
A stunning cathedral
January 2016
While in Manila, I thought I would look at the local Cathedral; it was another awe-inspiring architectural marvel. It was simply stunning. And it was all built in the 1950s.
Manila Cathedral has a fascinating history.
Miguel López de Legázpi arrived in Manila in 1571 and ordered the construction of a wooden cathedral in 1579 (a church was originally on the site).
The first cathedral burnt down in 1583.
An earthquake destroyed the second cathedral in 1600.
Another earthquake damaged the third cathedral in 1621, which was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1645.
In 1671, work started on the fourth cathedral. A series of earthquakes and typhoons damaged the cathedral; it became unsafe and was demolished in 1751.
The fifth cathedral lasted from 1760 to 1852. It survived the occupation of Manila by the British, but an earthquake in 1852 caused severe damage, leading to its demolition.
The sixth cathedral only lasted from 1858 to 1863, when an earthquake made it structurally unsound. The…
