Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo is a church built in 16th century in Cebu City. Three churches had been built before the present structure. The troops of Legazpi had discovered an image of Christ Child inside a house that was burning, when they arrived in Cebu during 1565. The Augustinians regarded the incident to be a good omen. During that time, Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo was built on the location where the image of the Holy Child was found but the church was destroyed by fire. It was believed that the church was built by Fr, Diego de Herrera.
In the year 1605, Fr. Pedro Torres started the construction of a new church made by nipa and wood. The construction was completed in 1626. But it was destroyed by a damaging fire in 1628. Construction of another church made by bricks and stone was started by Fr. Juan Medina in 1628. But again the building process was stopped as the structure was said to be defective.
The construction of the present church commenced on 29th February, 1735. With the joint venture of Governor-General Fernando Valdes, Father Provincial Bergano, Juan de Albarrab Prior of the Santo Nino and Cebu's Bishop Manuel Antonio Decio y Ocampo, the building works started in Cebu City.
Architecture of Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo
The architectural divisions of Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo are:
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The facade of Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo is a perfect amalgamation of features of Romanesque, Muslim and neo- classicism. The facade has been preserved in its original texture and color.
The Center Section of Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo has the main entrance, which is balanced by rectangular corners in the side. The facade is crowned by double edged triangular pediment.
The Bell Tower of the church serves as the counterbalance to the convent that is located in opposite side of the church. The Bell Tower has two blind and open windows.
Visiting Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo
Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo is visited by many tourists. There is a museum inside the basilica, which reflects the history of Christianity in Cebu. Statues and religious articles are displayed in the museum. The tourists can also see old furniture and Santo Nino's old clothes in the museum.
The address of Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo is:
Basilica Minore del Santo Niņo
Osmena Boulevard
P.O. Box 228
6000 Cebu City
Telephone: (032) 255 669-7 to 9
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