Manila Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral - Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, is an outstanding work of architecture, Catholic church located in Manila in the ancient neighbourhood of Intramuros. The first cathedral on this site was built in 1581, and the current one, the sixth, was built in 1958. It was consecrated as a "minor basilica" in 1981. Today, it houses the residence of the Archbishop of the Philippines, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.
The first cathedral, built here in 1581 from bamboo and palm wood, was severely damaged in a typhoon in 1582, and a year later was finally destroyed was finally destroyed in a fire. Ten years later, it was replaced which stood until 1600 and collapsed in an earthquake. The third cathedral began to be built in 1614 - the construction consisted of three naves and seven prayers. It too was damaged by an earthquake in 1645. From 1654 to 1671, the majestic fourth cathedral was built on the territory of Intramuros, which stood for almost two centuries and was seriously damaged by another earthquake in 1863. In 1880, the bell tower collapsed, and until 1959 the cathedral until 1959. The fifth Catholic church was built from 1870 to 1879 - the cross above the main dome was used as a reference point for astronomical longitude. However, during the bombing of the city in 1945, the cathedral was destroyed almost to the ground. Only in 1954 the construction of the next, sixth in number cathedral - construction lasted until 1958.
The main facade of Manila Cathedral is decorated with sculptures of famous saints, made of white Italian limestone. Buried inside the cathedral are two Philippine presidents Carlos Garcia and Corazon Acuino. The latter died in 2009 in 2009 and was the first woman whose body was displayed in the cathedral for a farewell. According to protocol, only the Archbishop of the Philippines can be honoured with such an honour.
