I always find it interesting to compare new and old pictures of places and people. Hence, in my most recent visit to Binondo Church, I wanted to capture the obvious changes that transpired based on available old photos in the net.
Binondo Church in 1899 – Photo from University of Wisconsin Digital Collections
Photo taken on 23 September, 2009
Binondo church in the 19th century. Photo from aenet.org
One the churches that stood the test of time.
Ongpin Street, San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy is behind the church.
Currently, Binondo Church has a three-storey parish center and convent (at the back).
It is also known as Parroquia de Chinos de Binondo, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish and more popularly as Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz.
Church ceiling
The church built in this Chinese quarter, founded in 1596, was the work of the architect Domingo de la Cruz González, and is one of the architectural heritages of Manila.
In 1596, Dominican priests founded Binondo church to serve their Chinese converts to Christianity as well as to the native Filipinos.
Binondo church after the 1603 Chinese revolt,
1614 revolt dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Parish,
1645 earthquake,
1762 bombardment by the British (short stay),
1872 burning during British invasion,
1863 and 1880 earthquakes,
1944 American bombing,
… and let’s not forget the many unions celebrated here including Andres Bonifacio’s wedding.
11 Responses to “Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz”
during our binondo walk, it was mentioned na yung bell tower na lang ang original structure ng church. the rest have been renovated already.
upto6only´s last blog ..PHOTOHUNT: Tied
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witsandnuts Reply:
October 26th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Yes, it went through a lot of renovation. It’s good they were able to keep almost the original layout (from outside).
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the black and white photos were so cool. i think it looks more festive now though because of the banderitas! LOL
PM´s last blog ..Happiness and Energy
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You know, my family goes to Binondo about twice a month. But being non-Catholics, we’ve never really gotten inside the church. Thanks for sharing these beautiful inside shots.
imom´s last blog ..Tulong Eskwela for Pepeng Survivors in the Cordilleras
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I’m glad there are some photos of the old church preserved somewhere so the next generation has a sense of what the church has been and what it has been through.
Pag nauwi ako I’ll do some visita iglesia kahit di mahal na araw.
Photo Cache´s last blog ..Lake Shasta
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the interior of this church is likened to the Sistine Chapel
our churches are really an edifice of history…thanks for sharing the photos 
Amelia´s last blog ..Rejuvenate, Detoxify & Relax
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the church looks amazingly unchanged from a structural perspective. Hope the government continues to preserve this great historical landmark.
bw´s last blog ..A Night at the Museum
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Dami nating simbahan dito sa Pinas. Mas matanda pa keysa sa tin.
redlan´s last blog ..SLEEPLESS NIGHT
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it amazes me how beautiful your shots always are. i love the last picture. para siyang pang postcard.
Angeli´s last blog ..What’s in your bag?
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Been inside the Binondo Church when I was in college but I haven’t seen it in detail. Like Chuangkee, sige dalawin ko ulit sya pag napadpad ako sa Binondo.
Congrats sa mga photos and your very informative backgrounder.
Nebz´s last blog ..I covet and I make promises. Darn!
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ang ganda. i love old churches, yung mga made of stone pa at hindi modern ang design.
kg´s last blog ..Paano kaya kung may Ctl Z ang buhay?
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