Basilica Minore del Sto. Ni?o is the oldest Roman Catholic church built in the country that was established in the 16th century. The congregation is purportedly built on the spot where the image of the Santo Ni?o de Ceb?, a statue portraying the Holy Child Jesus was discovered in 1565 by Spanish explorer headed by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The picture is the same statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Queen Juana, as a gift for their allegiance after Humabon’s baptism to Christianity on April 14, 1521. It was discovered by a soldier saved in a burnt wooden box after Legazpi annihilated the village of hostile locals.

Within the church houses a glorious background altarpiece of different patron saints.

The Basilica has a design style that is a mix of Muslim, Romanesque and Neo-classicism. The front of the church is still in its unique stone composition and regular shade which passes on a simple classiness. The bell tower serves as a counterbalance to the convent arranged at the opposite far end. Its rounded dome is of Muslim impact. The middle segment is the center of attention. The rectangular corners on the side balance the arched main entrance and a double-edged triangular pediment crowns the facade.

Getting There : It is not difficult to find your way there. The best way to get to the place is riding a taxi or a jeepney. You can also have a rental car, most car rental company provides package tour and services to this location. Being located in the same vicinity, at least other famous landmarks can be toured: Fort San Pedro and Magellan’s Cross. Historically, these three are related to each other.

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