Philippines/Cebu: Cebu – Basilica del Santo Nino
Basilica del Santo Niño, located just nearby to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country. It holds a pivotal place in Philippine Christian history, as it houses the revered Santo Niño de Cebu, a statue of the Holy Child Jesus, believed to be a gift from Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana during the 1521 expedition. The church was built 1565, it’s a fusion of architectural styles, blending elements of Spanish colonial, Muslim, and native influences. The interior is particularly ornate and stunning, especially the refedos – a pre-altar decoration. Crafted with meticulous detail, it features ornate carvings and gold leaf embellishments. The central niche of the reredos houses the Santo Niño de Cebu, the revered image of the Holy Child Jesus. This image is surrounded by various saints and religious figures, each intricately carved and adorned.
