Binondo Church
Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz
A church built for Chinese Filipino Catholics. Its octagonal bell tower in Chinese pagoda style makes it a landmark of Chinatown.
Binondo Church was built in 1596 by the Dominicans for Chinese converts to Catholicism. The structure has been rebuilt several times, and the only part to survive the bombardment of World War II is its distinctive octagonal bell tower, in a Chinese pagoda style. The church is also the national shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, a man of mixed Chinese and Filipino heritage who once served as an altar boy here. The ceiling paintings inside are exquisite. Admission is free. The church faces Binondo Plaza and makes a good starting point for a food walk through Chinatown. Nearby are century-old Chinese shops, tofu pudding, siopao and a range of Hokkien snacks.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 06:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Divisoria Market
- Fort Santiago
- Binondo Chinatown
- Manila Metropolitan Theater
- Intramuros
- Manila Cathedral
- Quiapo Church
- Casa Manila