San Agustin Church patio soon to be a public open space

The San Agustin Church patio that serves as the church’s parking lot will now be transformed into a public open space.

In an announcement on Thursday, the church said that the patio “will be a proud symbol of our heritage and a stunning public space for everyone to enjoy” with the World Heritage Site Marker as its “centerpiece.”

According to the post, many historic church patios in the Philippines are utilized for parking lots instead of being cherished as public open spaces like those in Europe or Latin America.

The post also said that starting January 22, parking spaces will be limited to a few vehicles.

Once finished, only bridal cars will be permitted to enter the patio during weddings, and a “drop and go” policy will be implemented for guests.

Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Church was completed in 1604 and is known to be the oldest church in the Philippines.

Located in the Walled City of Intramuros, the San Agustin Church had withstood many calamities and even wars in the Philippines.

Aside from its 400-year ruins, San Agustin Church is also home to San Agustin Museum which houses important artifacts and pieces of Philippine history.

– Jade Veronique Yap/CACM, GMA Integrated News