The Iron Church of the World - The San Sebastian Church

The San Sebastian Church in Manila, Philippines was the first all-iron church in the world; the first all-iron structure in Asia, and second in the world after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The metal structure of the church, with Palacios was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the French Engineer behind the Eiffel Tower and the steel structure within the statue of liberty. It was the only neo-Gothic steel church in the Philippines and in Asia, and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

The San Sebastian church was a reflection of the late 19th century innovations in architecture, art and construction. The interior of the church displays groined vaults that were styled along neo-Gothic lines. The steel parts of columns, walls and ceiling were painted to resemble marble and jasper done by Filipino artist Lorenzo Rocha and his students. Trompe l’oeil paintings were used to decorate the interiors of the church. The Gothic confessionals, pulpit and altars was designed by Filipino artist Lorenzo Guerrero, and his fellow artist Eulogio Garcia carved the statues of holy men and women.

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***Images on the slide are from Google Images