The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the oldest church in the Philippines. The famous and miraculous Sto. Nino de Cebu is housed in this beautiful church. The Sto. Nino is the representation of baby Jesus which was brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
There are a lot of devotees to the Sto. Nino. Many people whose prayers have been answered would come back year after year to pay homage and thanks to the baby Jesus.
The facade of the church is a blending of Muslim, Romanesque, and Neo-Classical features. It follows the classical pattern and is divided into two levels. Shallow pilasters divide each story into three segments decorated with stone bas-reliefs representing Augustinian saints. The bell tower serves as counterbalance to the opposite end. A triangular pediment crowns the solid, but not massive, facade.
Focus of attention is on the center section. The trefoil arched main entrance is balanced by the side rectangular statued niches. The vertical composition is echoed by the small design on the second level above the cornice, the trefoil arch, the pediment and the side scroll-like ornament, a facade within a facade. A double-edged triangular pediment crowns the facade.
–Text taken from the Santo Niño Church and Monastery: An Augustinian Legacy to the Filipino People
Read more: The Heritage of Cebu
Inside the church you will see the main altar of various Augustinian Saints.
These people are lining up to see to pay homage to the Sto. Nino. Want to see the original image of the Sto. Nino de Cebu? Click here!
A garden soothes the spirit of the churchgoers as they light candles and pray. Make sure you take the time to visit Cebu’s oldest church, the Basilica del Sto. Nino.
PHOTOS TAKEN BY: Fisca Plyder
Official Website of Basilica Del Sto Nino (schedule of masses are listed)
I always make it a point to visit the Sto. Nino church whenever we visit Cebu!