SEEING UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE AT BINONDO CHURCH IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, commonly known as Binondo Church, was built in 1596 and over the years has gradually pulled the typical ‘see it all’ tourist to the Binondo district. This beautifully crafted granite structure and the whole Binondo area, have played second fiddle to the mighty and historic Intramuros touristic area (where you will find San Agustin Church)—this side of downtown is quite busy,  we were warned by our taxi driver to be aware of our surroundings and look out for pickpocketers.

When you are approaching Binondo Church, you cannot help but be amazed by this massive structure that stands undeniably strong and majestic right on the side of a busy main road and park. Everything here is fast and intense—from people crossing the road, vendors hollering while selling their goods, and minibusses, jeepneys, and tricycles stopping almost in the middle of the road picking up passengers who flagged from the side of the road—it is chaotic but mesmerizing at the same time.

The inside of the church is very colorful and the architecture does not disappoint when you walk through the door. Frescoes on the ceiling, as well as the massive and beautifully decorated altar, are highlights inside the church. There are tours for people who want to understand the history of Binondo Church and its founders.

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Across the street, you will find a small decent park, Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, which is also the best place to view the church and take pictures of the whole facade. You need patience here, especially when you go during peak hours when there are people everywhere—taking a picture with only you as the subject is not such an easy task, you have to wait for a split second opening when the road has cleared—you see, there is a pedestrian crossing right in front of the church and this causes high traffic almost at all times.

A Dominican priest founded Binondo Church, with the purpose of ministering to Chinese people who converted to Christianity. After Britain bombed this area in 1762, the building was destroyed but rebuilt and completed in 1852. As to this day, people flock to the church to pray every Sunday. Masses are conducted in the Filipino language, Chinese languages such as Mandarin, and English.

Address: Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz Binondo, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines

Entrance: Free

Guided Tours: Tours are available for both old and new Manila