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Is Church of San Agustin in Intramuros Worth your Time?

San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila

For those who knows me intimately, they would know my instantly facial reaction when you ask me to visit a church.

Yeah, I know most religious people here would react but yeah, I stopped visiting the any church since I was 17-years old, and the idea of visiting any church gives me goose bumps.

Hahaha I know it’s silly and stupid but that what I always felt.

I have nothing against the church as an architectural structure with amazing stone carvings. Am only have different views regarding the teachings of the religion – the Catholicism and how it is inappropriate taught in my country, the Philippines. I know that there are also many awesome benefits and good things of being a Catholic (less discrimination, that’s the one), however the authority are just being abused by these people in the church which I definitely find it disgusting.

If you are against and feeling cringed with this post (including all the grammar nazi out there) then feel free to close your browser and move on.

By the way, today am not here to talk about religion.


We are here to talk about the exquisite beauty of San Agustin Church located in Intramuros.


San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila


During my visit, the weather is actually in a bipolar situation, however it doesn’t failed to ruin my spirit to roam around this church and its facility. San Agustin Church is one of the few baroque-designed church in the country, and the oldest stone church in the Philippines built in 1607 under the supervisions of Augustinian Fathers Francisco de Bustos, Ildefonso Perez, Diego De Avila, and Brother Alonzo de Perea. Designed by Architect Juan Macias, this stone church stand for the test of time and even – many earthquakes and in the middle of the war zone even during the British invasion in 1762. And in 1993, San Agustin Church becomes one of the world heritage site awarded by UNESCO.


San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila

San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila


And if you are one of the local Filipino and also a huge fan of the entertainment industry, San Agustin Church is the famous hosts for many known weddings of the country, as its historical appeal adds value and worth to the celebration. I heard there is a long waitlist for this church, so I may suggest that you book early and pray that someone will cancel to elevate your slot.


San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila


As usual, I felt that eerie feeling inside that church. I know I hate it because I find it uncomfortable, but I just keep it to myself and just pay my attention to the structure and amazing architecture. Together with other invited bloggers and out very patient tour guide (but seriously I haven’t listen to what he is blubbing out there, I better to find it myself), we’ve had an opportunity to visit the inside of the church, and its façade and its foyer and interesting fountains.


San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila


Inside the church, you might noticed this exquisite beauty of its ceiling. You might though how wonderful it was carved but it is not – it is actually a Trompe-l’oeil, a painting on a flat surface of the ceiling.


San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila

San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila


I like this open area of the church, having a well-maintained garden (well except that fountain which is occupied by mildew and it’s disgusting). It might be housed by mosquito larvae and dengue is never glamorous at all.

This building have been renovated for years, and I may say that they’ve made such a wonderful job restoring its beauty.


San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila


Walking inside the church, you will see many old paintings of saints, most are during the Spanish colonization. Feel free to have a few minutes of appreciation because it’s worth it. The monastery was converted into the museum – the now being called as The San Agustin Museum Manila. All former rooms of the friars are now turned to display rooms of various antiques.


San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila

San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila


This area have been kept its utmost cleanliness, and about creating loud noises as a sign of respect to the church and its facility.


San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila


And when you are there, don’t miss to pay a visit inside the San Agustin Museum Manila, which houses all the antiquities of time, and will give you a glimpse how opulent the Old Manila is.

The museum is open from 8:00Am until 6:00PM with an hour of noontime break at 12:00noon.


San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila


During those old days of commercialization, they don’t use cargo planes to deliver imported goods. They use this huge galleon ships and travelled for many months before it arrived to its destination and back.

You know sometimes what I wish?

I wish that someone will fund to recreate a galleon ship and built a museum inside of it, and is docked in Manila Bay, together with those opulent yachts. I imagine that it would be very nice to have it, allowing the public to explore the inside, as if they’ve travel centuries back.


However, it will cost a huge amount of money. Shout out for Mark Zuckerberg – will you please fund this project


San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila


Inside the museum, you’ll noticed many religious images of various sizes, and take note that these are real antiques.

I am impressed that they have saved these pieces for us to see. However, these images truly creeps me out AF. I know that some old houses and families still keeps religious images, and sometimes it stand as tall as real humans – those will never set foot in my house.

(I remember that I accidentally destroyed my Grandma’s saint statue when it startled me, and I literally beheaded it, oopppss!)


San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila

San Agustin Church Museum, Intramuros Manila


You will also see these old liturgical dresses, and my first reaction is – Dolce and Gabbana would have an instant interest to scrutinized these embroideries and get inspiration for their next collection.


Again, our tour guide passionately blubbing around the museum, and even sharing some anecdotes of it (which honestly I have a feeling that he is exaggerating the other parts), but then I pity him because I literally not listening to him. I just find him not entertaining at all. And if I would force myself to listen, I would ended up feeling sleep and not finishing my work.


San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila


And in one of the former rooms, there lies an old cemetery so it is strict advised to minimized the noise as a respect for the visitors.


Ssssshhhhh.


I love using the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

I love using the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel


It was a very nice experience visiting the Old Manila, and it would be more fun when you are always protected under the sun. I love using the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, and Biore UV Perfect Spray both have SPF 50 and PA++++ Read my full review here!

You may also like to visit my Intramuros travel guide here

Thanks again Biore Philippines and Digify Corp.,  for this amazing tour!

Hope you have enjoyed my post, and maybe laugh a bit. And when you visit Manila, better add this to your itinerary.

Totally worth your time.




Address: General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila
Contact Number: (02) 527-2746 / (02) 527-4052
Opens daily from Monday to Sunday
Entrance fee: Adults – Php100 / Senior Citizen – Php80 / College Students – Php50 / High School Students – Php45 / Children (4 to 12 years old) Php40.00
Bring your valid identification card.


xoxo, Blair




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126 comments :

  1. Ancient buildings has a beauty of its own.. Its archtecture is unique n historical unlike buildings built today..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I concur.
      And makes me wonder their building techniques that last for many generations including bombings and natural disasters.

      Delete
  2. Old churches are so awesome looking. It is amazing how much money went into these places.

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    1. I know right!

      Well historically speaking, since all churches are manage by the early Catholic priests, it makes me wonder the ordeal they make to have the people pay (yeah not donate) for building this church.

      You see, Catholic priests before (well even of today) are quite powerful.

      Delete
  3. Wow that is such a beautiful church! I am not particually religious but I do find churchs to be some of the most stunning buildings I have ever come across.

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    Replies
    1. I agree. I think the early artists are so passionate and dedicated in building this church.

      Delete
  4. Whenever I travel internationally, I love visiting historic churches. You can almost feel the ancient vibes within their walls.

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    Replies
    1. I agree. Its like you can hear the stories in all walls. Quite creepy for some, but it gives me heart pumping feeling.

      Delete
  5. Such a beautiful church, architecturally. Totally worth visiting, in my opinion. I am not a Christian myself but I do appreciate places of worship. Not only churches but temples, mosques, etc.

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    Replies
    1. I agree. They are all majestic and have its own unique beauty. Visiting them is very worth it.

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  6. I am not a church person myself either but I do love to visit old churches. I love the structure and learning the history of the buildings. What a great place you got to visit!

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    1. Thanks Anne :) What is your most memorable church you've visited?

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  7. The San Agustin Church located in Intramuros does look beautiful! I love visiting places of worship for their physical beauty.

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  8. Such a beautiful church. I hope u enjoyed your trip.

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    Replies
    1. I did! And I believe I haven't discovered it all. I wish to come back :)

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  9. Oh my goodness, this church looks absolutely stunning! I would definitely make the trip to see it.

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  10. I love visiting old Churches when I travel cos they are such amazing artwork done in Churches and this is definitely one beautiful and historical building. I am amazed by how huge it is and I really think certain parts could be really cold and eery cos it is actually so old.

    Cheers,
    Everest
    Www.everestsays.com

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  11. I love exploring churches because they are examples of outstanding architecture and this one fits the bill very nicely. Count my one vote for the idea of that galleon ship museum...fab idea.

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    1. Thank you Punita!

      Actually, it makes me wonder where can I find a real-life replica of this galleon ship.

      Delete
  12. Love the architecture of old buildings & especially churches and libraries. The older the better as we don't build them like we used to ...

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  13. Wow..its a beautiful church! Was definitely fooled by the ceiling...I actually thought it was carved until I saw you mentioning it was a painting :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha I was fooled too! I could imagine the difficulty of painting this ceiling :)

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  14. It does look like such an amazing church. Very beautiful architecturally speaking as well as all of the artistry they have there. Catholic Churches do amazingly with regards to that. I hear where you are coming from as far as abuse of authority. I think that is the tendency with most people though. They abuse authority that they are given whether that means government or whether that means religion, people far too often abuse power. And that's sad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, well that's part of our culture that we hope it will change by and by.

      Delete
  15. The building looks beautiful inside and out, it is carrying alot of history in it and I like how well it kept.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Listen to the its walls and you will feel like its speaking to you. Its eery but exciting :)

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  16. Wow the San Agustin Church is so beautiful. It would be amazing to have a wedding there. I am in love with that staircase.

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    Replies
    1. I agree. One of the famous church in the Philippines with a very long wait-list for weddings :)

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  17. This is a wonderful looking church - what a beautiful ceiling and architecture. Whatever our feelings on religion, we can all appreciate wonderful buildings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right! In art and architecture, we all speak the same language :)

      Delete
  18. I am obsessed with old building, but especially old churches. The author in me is always thinking about the people and the prayers that have happened in such places.

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    Replies
    1. Same here. Even spending a few minutes inside will make you feel its amazing and unique beauty that speaks itself.

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  19. I'm not a big church-goer either but love to visit them. I simply love architecture and most churches have beautiful architectural style.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting! I'll post many trips soon :)

      Delete
  20. Some lovely photos of this Church.. Church is always worth our time.

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  21. This church is massive and really beautiful. Hope to see it for myself someday.

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  22. Wow! I congratulate you on posting this one! I really like to visit the place one of these days, thanks for posting pics as an update.

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  23. What a beautiful church. We always make a point to stop in old churches during our travels. We shall add this to the list!

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  24. I like the church and have visited a couple of times (to attend weddings and to visit the museum).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's cool! Which part of the church and museum is your favorite?

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  25. I've been here once. My HS friend got married in this church, and the architecture left me in awe. One look at the church and I knew why my friend made it a point to get married here. :)

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    1. I guess getting married here makes it more symbolic and makes that moment part of its history.

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  26. The church design is beautiful and I love the classic design. If do wedding photoshoot definitely will be pretty.

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    Replies
    1. It would be wonderful to be part of this church historical milestone :)

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  27. This church is beautiful! What stunning pictures too. I'd love to visit - I love seeing churches like this with so much history!

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  28. This is awesome that you had the opportunity to visit. The architecture is beautiful.

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  29. this is a beautiful place - racheal

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    Replies
    1. Lovely! And hope you can also visit San Agustin soon :)

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  30. I love your photos and they really show the beauty of the church. The architecture is beautiful and really show case the beauty and power of God. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome Ophelia :) I used my Huawei P9 phone to captured these photos:)

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  31. Definitively worth a visit I would say. Such beautiful photos! Good idea to protect your skin too!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Marielle! Have you tried the Biore sunscreen lotion?

      Delete
  32. Wow, this is an absolutely gorgeous place. I would definitely love to visit one day. Thanks for this post, it is informative. I will add it to my list for sure.

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    Replies
    1. Oh thank you and please share us your adventures soon:)

      Delete
  33. I love visiting churches not because of religious meanings, but I love architecture and history! this one looks amazing

    http://www.queenhorsfall.com/

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  34. This is such an amazing building, just the sort I love to visit

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  35. Looks like the church has a beautiful architectural features. Probably worth a visit.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks dear! You will enjoy it especially the museum.

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  36. Even I am a Muslim, I love to visit temple and church to see their uniqueness and the detailing. Its like mosque, but different religion.

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    Replies
    1. Thee are work of art and only influence by religion. And even religion fades (in case) these buildings will stand tall and proud.

      Delete
  37. While I'm not a religious person, I appreciate learning about other religions and visiting the gorgeous churches and buildings. The architecture of this church is stunning, thanks for sharing!

    xo, Pri

    xo, Pri

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome dear! Am no religious too (it gives me cringe just talking about it) however I have a great eye on arts and architectures.

      Delete
  38. Wow sometimes when you visit a church it's just simply to observe and maybe a little exploring of the structure and architecture but with museum and gardens this is more bang for your buck. It looks beautiful and I can see why people would want to get married here.

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    Replies
    1. I agree. The garden per see is a beauty. However, they really need to cleanup that fountain, hahaha.

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  39. The church looks like a sight to see. Thanks for sharing.

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  40. Churches especially those of the Roman Catholics are well-built and decorated that make them an excellent subject for photography.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. Philippines is blessed to have these churches still standing proud after all these years.

      Delete
  41. The church is very beautiful in spite of being old. I would love to see this when I head over your country. So many good places to see there!

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    Replies
    1. That's awesome! There are many more old churches in the country especially in the southern part in Visayan regions :)

      Delete
  42. it's definitely majestic, architecturaly speaking! I do visit few churches or temples when I travel, you can tell so much about a nations history and culture jusst by looking at the architecture!

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    Replies
    1. I agree. Ah if only these buildings can speak, they will be more great bloggers than us.

      Delete
  43. Not a spiritual person myself but I do love visiting churches just for the amazing vintage architecture.

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  44. The architectural design of this church looks amazing. As I browse your photos, I don't know why but it started to feel creepy when I saw the photo of the bride then, some shots on the hallway. Interesting! and even on photos I can feel the intensity. Hmp! Ewan ko talaga.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hahaha my apology that my post made you feel creepy. Well even me still feels its intensity. How much more when you actually visit the place.

      Sometimes you'll feel a sudden cold wind passed by on your shoulder...

      Delete
  45. While I'm not particularly religious myself, I do really enjoy visiting churches and temples too. The history and the beauty is always so fascinating. (I do understand your goosebumps feeling as well.) San Agustin looks amazing, and I will certainly check it out once I make it to your country. :)

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  46. I admire how San Agustin church was designed and built. It has been a picture of strength and is tells a lot about the local culture, tradition and history. (Gee Villaruz)

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  47. The architecture of this church looks beautiful and the museum looks interesting as well. I like visiting architectural monuments like this when I travel.

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  48. Visiting any church is worth my time. Having written that, I do think the more ornate, the better. This one gorg!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Karyn. I think having a grand wedding here is to die for.

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  49. Beautiful carvings and magical indeed. I visited many few churches during my Italy trip and they were really fascinating.

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  50. I appreciate older churches for their architectual value and this church looks stunning. Your photos are lovely, too.

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  51. Wow what a beautiful church, it's super big and I love the architecture of it. I love the display it has in it too.

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    1. Thank you Ania. Though this wasn't the biggest, the architecture is also unique.

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  52. I am not religious either but I do like visiting churches. Most of them have stunning architecture, like San Augustin, the one you have visited, and they also offer history lessons as they have been built following a historical event.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, and that's the only reason why I like visiting churches. Next stop - mosque!

      Delete
  53. What a beautiful place! I've only been out of the US a few times but I've never seen anything like this. I'd love to visit there and explore!

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    Replies
    1. In Europe, there are many churches like this, and more grand :)

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  54. The only time I visit any church is when I am traveling in Europe, mostly for the history and architecture. This one looks nice too and I would defintely visit.

    xx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com

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  55. I share your sentiments with Catholicism not being taught like how it's supposed to be, most of the time teachings reflect the priest's opinion and they stray in what the word of the Lord really means, it's more political than spiritual and yes, truly disgusting!��

    I'm a Catholic, and I practice my religion but I don't listen to opinion filled homilies anymore. I go to church to pray and leave. Anyway, I grew up knowing the bible and I know how to pray, and I have a relationship with God, I don't need anyone to tell me how to worship. ��

    I love visting old churches and is always our first stop whenever we visit a place for the first time, I've not been to Intramuros though, but I've always wanted to, it's so old and I can just imagine the stories its walls could tell if they could! The thought is just awesome!��

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    1. I agree. Am also a Catholic on papers but not in practice.

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  56. Well, you've convinced me, and I appreciate the humour that you've sprinkled throughout the post. Thanks for putting this together!

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  57. This church is fantastic! I love visiting churches whenever I travel. It's a great way to learn about the local history as well. Thanks for sharing.

    -Alethea

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    Replies
    1. That's true. And it is one of the structure that is very interesting on photographs.

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  58. I am completely captivated by your photography, writing and vision! Beautiful!!

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    1. Oh thank you Debbie! I love telling stories and sometimes sharing very detailed.

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  59. Omg what a beautiful church!!!! Churches are so pretty!!! They always have the most unique architecture.

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    Replies
    1. I agree! I can't wait to visit many churches soon!

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  60. This is such a stunning church! I love your photos and I am fascinated by both the church history and your conflicting views on religion in your country.

    Lisa
    www.prettylittleshoppers.com

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    1. Thank you Lisa! I will share more churches soon :)

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  61. Such a cool place to visit. Thanks for sharing your tour. I love baroque
    style architecture.

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    1. You're welcome Danay! Which part of the church is your favorite?

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  62. I love Church's my favorite is the Sacre Cur in Paris. Great post and this church looks excellent. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Ohh that's interesting! I will visit Paris next year :)

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  63. I love churches. They make me wonder how patient are the people behind the construction and how genius are the people who designed them.

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    Replies
    1. I agree, and how much faith they have. I guess, the stronger their faith, the more beautiful their churches becomes.

      Delete

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