Manila Cathedral to offer free guided tours on Independence Day
The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros will hold an open house on Independence Day, June 12, giving the public free access to its premises.
In a Facebook post on June 6, The Manila Cathedral said the public may visit the crypt, choir loft, roof deck, and more.
The church also said it will give free guided tours to interested parties at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Holy Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m., and 12:10 p.m., while a pipe organ mini concert will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
"See you all here at the Mother Church of the Philippines!" The Manila Cathedral said in its Facebook post.
The Manila Cathedral, also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is the country's premier cathedral.
According to its website, the former Church of Manila was established by secular priest Juan de Vivero in 1571 under the patronage of Mary, La Purissima e Inmaculada Concepcion.
It became a cathedral in 1581 when the Philippines was separated from the Archdiocese of Mexico and became a new diocese with its episcopal seat in Manila.
The Manila Cathedral was also the only church elevated to basilica by a pope (Pope St. John Paul II) via his own initiative or motu proprio. The country's other churches that became basilicas were elevated due to local initiatives, the website noted.
The program is held in partnership with the Intramuros Administration, an agency of the Department of Tourism that has the mandate to restore and maintain the historic walled area.