San Agustin Church and Museum

Located in the historic Intramuros district of Manila (the oldest district and historic core of Manila, otherwise known as the "Walled City"), the Church of San Agustin was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site as an example of the Baroque architecture that was specific to the Philippines. A Roman Catholic Church, it was constructed by the Spanish in the sixteenth century, but was not consecrated until 1607. Its beautiful architecture is worth the visit all by itself, though it also houses the tombs of several historical figures, including several conquistadors, statesmen and artists.

The accompanying San Agustin Museum is housed in the adjacent San Agustin Monastery, and exhibits art and artifacts from the Philippines, Spain, Mexico and other cultural centers. The original Augustinians arrived in the Philippines in 1565 just a few decades after Magellan explored the islands, meaning that the aforementioned museum is no slouch. Despite having been damaged by British forces in the 18th century, American forces in the 19th century, and the Japanese in the 20th, it’s in fine fettle (partially owing to a painstaking restoration effort undertaken in the 1970s). If you’re interested in local and regional history, you won’t want to miss it.

Entry into the Church of San Agustin is free. The museum charges 100 PHP for adults, 80 PHP for seniors, and 40 PHP for children. There are also discounts for college and high school students, so be sure to inquire about pricing upon your arrival. The websites for both attractions offer up-to-date listings of upcoming special events. San Agustin is located on General Luna Street, and is open 8am to noon and 1pm to 6pm daily.