Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz

witsandnuts — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:43:24 +0000

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.

witsandnuts » Binondo Church

Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz