Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene — Attraction in Manila

The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene, popularly known as Quiapo Church and canonically as the Saint John the Baptist Parish, is a significant and revered religious landmark situated in the district of Quiapo, in the bustling city of Manila, Philippines. This magnificent basilica, constructed in the Baroque architectural style, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1588, making it 435 years old.

The origin of Quiapo Church is deeply rooted in the history of Manila. Pre-1800 maps of the city depict Quiapo as a humble fishing village, characterized by clusters of islands, marshlands, and shallow waters. It was a region that held both natural beauty and challenges, yet it laid the foundation for a profound spiritual journey that would transform it into a center of worship.

In 1578, the arrival of the Franciscans marked a turning point for the area. They established their main missionary headquarters in nearby Santa Ana de Sapa and embraced Quiapo as part of its visita, which was essentially a chapel-of-ease. This religious outpost soon gained prominence as the devotion to Saint John the Baptist flourished, and a small chapel was erected on the site where Quiapo Church stands today.

Over the years, the chapel underwent various transformations and expansions, but it wasn't until 1929 that the grand basilica we know today took its form. The construction of the Quiapo Church was a collaborative effort led by the renowned architects Juan Nakpil and José María Zaragoza. Their skillful execution of the Baroque architectural style imbued the structure with an air of grandeur and elegance.

One of the remarkable aspects of Quiapo Church is its choice of material. Unlike many historical religious edifices, which are primarily constructed with stone or brick, Quiapo Church was built using reinforced concrete, a testament to the innovative engineering and architectural practices of its time. This choice of material has proven to be durable, withstanding the test of time and weathering various natural elements throughout the years.

The basilica's interior boasts an impressive capacity, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 worshippers. Its sprawling space offers an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in prayer and reflection. The centerpiece of devotion at Quiapo Church is the Black Nazarene, a dark-hued and life-sized image of Jesus Christ bearing the cross, which is revered by millions of devotees.

The Black Nazarene's origin can be traced back to a Spanish galleon in 1606 when it arrived in Manila from Mexico. This sacred image quickly captured the hearts of the faithful, and it was transferred to Quiapo Church in 1787. Since then, the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene has become an iconic religious event, drawing millions of devotees who participate in the Traslación, a grand procession that honors the Black Nazarene's miraculous powers.

Throughout its long and storied history, Quiapo Church has been a source of comfort, hope, and solace for countless individuals. Its hallowed walls have witnessed numerous significant moments in the lives of many Filipinos, from weddings and baptisms to prayers for healing and thanksgiving. It remains a place where people seek divine intervention and find spiritual strength to face life's challenges.

The cultural and historical significance of Quiapo Church extends far beyond its religious importance. It has become a symbol of resilience and unity for the Filipino people. The annual Traslación is a remarkable testament to the fervent faith and the spirit of bayanihan, the tradition of communal unity and support, as devotees from all walks of life come together to participate in this extraordinary event.

As Quiapo Church enters its 94th year since its grand opening in 1929, it stands tall as a beacon of faith, hope, and heritage in the heart of Manila. Its legacy is etched not only in the city's skyline but also in the hearts of millions of believers who continue to find comfort and strength...

Update❗2021 Simbang Gabi, Christmas and New Year's Eve Mass Schedule (as of Dec 14)

Dec 15 to 23 - Simbang Gabi (Evening Mass): 7:00pm and 8:00pm

Dec 16 to 24 - Misa de Gallo: 4:00am and 5:00am

Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Mass: 9:00pm

Dec 25 - Christmas Day: Morning - 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, and 10am Afternoon: 12pm, 130pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm

Dec 31 - New Year's Eve Mass: 8:00pm only

Live streaming of masses is also available online. 😊

Let's not lose the tradition and the opportunity to express our gratitude to God for the year that was.

Some reminders from a weekly devotee: safest paid parking lot is located at Quinta Market. This is a newly renovated place which now looks like a tiny mall. They have 24/7 paid parking at the 2nd floor.

all mass attendees need to proceed at Carriedo area where you have to fall in line and wait for the church officers to give you a contact tracing form. You will see the yellow markings on the street once u reach there.

all fully vaccinated must show their vaccination card before you will be given a contact tracing form

those who are partially/not yet vaccinated, your line is on the right side (when facing the church). Sometimes they will only allow you for 'padungaw' depending on the amount of crowd for the day

earliest mass is at 5am, and there's no mass at 11am. Mass resumes at 12nn then 130pm in the afternoon

bring your own pen & wear comfortable clothes as you might fall in line for about 30mins or more

as of nov 7, 2021 church capacity has been increased (4 persons per row) so better be early to secure a seat

buy your religious items before going inside. They will bless them at the end of each mass by going to your designated seats

wear mask at all times and bring your faceshield. The church's health & safety protocol is very strict.

Hope this helps. All the effort, sweat, and battling the usual crowd of Manila will be all worth it after you attended the mass. It will bring you the joy you crave, and the...

March 1 2020 My mom was in jail for 3 days now since she refused cleaning up ashfall due to her psoariasis. Her condition were very obvious on her skin and its effect on her mood is a known fact by us and collegues but the barangay officials kept pestering her. On the day of the actual event, she is watching over her grandson who is in the comfort room and waiting for him to be washed when done so she is holding the "tabo". At the same time she is also manning our "palamig" cart. The barangay official went again and in her irritation she said cursed words while she was holding the "tabo" not actually spreading it.  Weeks after without notice from the barangay, she was escorted by policeman to various locations and them jail. Not even informing her employer nor family members.  They even said that they video recorded her but won't show it to us. The barangay captain is the one who filed the case again my poor mom.We tried to file bail for her due to her condition but the brgy officials won't allow her to file bail by not giving her documents. The barangay captain kept hiding from us during the day and even made sure that my mom was in jail that night while finger pointing her coz her name wont match the name on the warrant. When my dad visited him and ask for apology he said that he will decide on Monday if she will be given clearance. My mom is not a criminal, she volunteers as a health worker with a measly allowance and even feed children and tuberculosis patient and other mental patient. She is scratching her skin like crazy due to both circumstance and the ambience of the dirty narrow jail room but there is nothing we could do since the barangay captain wont even accept...