The Only Steel Church in the world

You read that right my friends, this wonderful piece of Neo-Gothic architecture is the only standing church made out of pre-fabricated steel! (Which means it was made somewhere else and delivered here piece by piece) The name is the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian or better known as San Sebastian church.

One thing that baffles me after discovering this wonderful piece of history is that its been hiding under the buildings of residential condominiums and university campuses. Its hidden at our very own Recto Ave, just behind the San Sebastian College building. You have to walk to Loyola st. and take a turn on Bilibid Viejo st. to get a good view of the whole structure.

Now about its rich history. The church was built around 1891 designed by Genaro Palacios and rumor has it, that the famous Gustave Eiffel was involved in its overall design. Can you blame him? Its a church made out of steel, and he IS famous for all steel engineering. Who is Gustave Eiffel? Oh nothing, he is just a french engineer who made the Famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, and the interior framing of The Statue of Liberty in New York City, nothing big. Sarcasm aside, we should be proud that a man famous for his works, touched Philippine soil with his masterpiece still standing. Anyways back to history, they made sure the church was all fire-proof and earthquake proof, after disasters it had experienced, seen in the marker.

The church was designed similar to the Burgos Cathedral in Spain. Look it up and see for yourself.

Now who owns the all-steel church? No other than The Order of the Augustinian Recollect who also operates a college adjacent to the building. My guess its the San Sebastian College but iam not sure. (Even though its obvious) They are also in charge of its maintenance but i'dd say they should check twice cause corrosion is very evident the time i took these pictures. Rust is crawling near the twin belfry and needed restorations are urgent.

Now, should the next generation know and appreciate this find? Hell yeah they should! This is something the Philippines be proud of, i cannot understand why it still needs approval as a World Heritage Site, when it clearly shows thats its the only one of its kind! Right now the basilica isn't receiving the much attention as it should be, but its not too late for as long there are people passionate to scour the urban jungle for treasured history, its cherished memories lives on.