About Us

San Sebastian Basilica and its Restoration

Since 1621, the Order of Augustinian Recollects stewarded four San Sebastian masonry churches, which were destroyed by earthquakes or fire, and subsequently rebuilt so that the current San Sebastian Basilica, as a church, continues to serve as a place of devotion.

The church that now stands in Quiapo is the first and only all-metal building in the country. It's an architectural marvel whose heart is the devotion to the oldest Carmelite image in the country, Our Lady of Mount Carmel de San Sebastian, who celebrated the 400th year of her arrival in the Philippines in 2018.

Compared to other historic churches, San Sebastian Basilica is also one of the country’s last remaining churches whose interiors have remained authentic, and survived the ravages of earthquakes, war, and heavy-handed restorations that replace the original.

The Foundation’s goal is to prolong the life span of the Basilica and preserve all of its original features by following internationally-accepted conservation standards. It also works to make the restoration sustainable and relevant in the local and national community.

By purchasing from our online shop, you will be directly contributing to the restoration program of San Sebastian Basilica spearheaded by the San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc.