Basilica Minore del sto.

niño de ceBu

DESCRIPTION:
The Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebú (Minor Basilica
of the Holy Child of Cebú), commonly known as Santo Niño
Basilica, is a basilica in Cebu City in the Philippines that
was founded in 1565 by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray
Diego de Herrera. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church in
the country, allegedly built on the spot where the image of
the Santo Niño de Cebú was found during the expedition of
Miguel López de Legazpi.

ANALYSIS:
Santo Nino de Cebu's structure was first built out of earth,
hard wood and nipa leaves as ordered by Friar Diego de
Herrera (one who accompanied Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, he
could have been the first archbishop of Manila City if only
his ship did not run aground near an island coast in Bicol) in
1565. The architectural style of the Basilica is a mixture of
Muslim, Romanesque, and neo-classicism. The exterior of
the church still shows its original stone texture. Its dome-
like ceiling is of Muslim influence. The church has an arched
main entrance and rectangular corners on the side.

A bell tower is situated adjacent to the convent. A little

museum can be also seen inside the Basilica. This is where
the history of Christianity in Cebu is well kept, including
antique objects, pastoral garments, old furniture, and the
donated old cloaks of the Sto. Niño.
INTERPRETATION:
Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of
the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time.
The church is no stranger to hardship: established in 1565
(the first church in the Philippines). This square is right
opposite to Santo Nino Basilica itself. It is where big
religious celebrations are being held including grand
masses, Sinulog mass, feast, or other religious celebrations.

Cebuanos celebrate the festival of Senior Santo Niño, also

known as Sinulog, every third Sunday of January. The roads
are full of colorful bandaretas, people dancing with their
vibrant-colored outfits or customs and a lot more.

JUDGEMENT:

Must-see for any traveler seeking out historical churches to

visit. Magellan's Cross is also just outside the church
courtyard. This site is a gem. The feel of the generations of
believers settles upon you when you enter the doors. The
artwork is impressively well-preserved. If you come by the
city, do yourself a favor and visit this church. The people are
kind and you can experience the special presence of God. Even if it
is at the center of the city you can still feel the serenity and
recollection.