First published: 26/12/11.

Kyle Magnuson 3.0

San Agustin Church: Intramuros Manila

Baroque Churches (Inscribed)

While in Manila for a brief time, my short excursion into Intramuros was enjoyable. Like others have mentioned, Manila is a somewhat chaotic city and San Agustin Church provides a brief moment of solitude. For anyone visiting Manila, there are two churches worth visiting, San Agustin and San Sebastian Church. If and when I make it back to the Philippines, I would love to visit some of the more remote churches included in this serial site. While the complex seems almost interchangeable with some churches in Latin America, if you look closely you will notice the small lion statues (guarding) the entrance of the church and other peculiar motifs.

San Agustin Intramuros

With the 2024 tentative list update to include the 'Colonial Urban Plan' and fortifications of Manila, San Agustin Church has potential to be a double inscription. While I'm skeptical of Manila getting another inscription, its perhaps a reason for hope that Intramuros will be better protected and managed.

Lastly, like many reviewers I only visited 1 of the 4 components. While I'm pleased Manila did get a WHS, the series as a whole seem to contribute well toward the Baroque Churches OUV. Thus, I always feel slightly restricted in my overall opinion when I visit a relatively low percentage of a serial property. My visit might be further diluted by an extension that may be worthy, based on reviews within our community. My visit was memorable along with our walk throughout Intramuros, but San Agustin Church does feel like you are just scratching the surface of this world heritage site.

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