The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, established in 1565 by Agustinian friars under the Reverend Andres Urdaneta.

The original church and convent was built on the site where an image of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) was discovered—believed to have been a gift from Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521.

Both structures were burned down in 1566, and the second church was likewise destroyed by fire in 1628, but rebuilt shortly after.

The present church, designed and constructed during the priorship of Rev. Juan Albarran in 1735-1737, is a stunning blend of colonial architecture and religious heritage, featuring grand stone walls, intricate carvings, and a serene courtyard.

The discovery of the statue following the Spanish conquest led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi was viewed as a miraculous sign by the early colonizers. This venerated image, the oldest Christian relic in the Philippines, is enshrined in a glass case within the basilica that has become the center of devotion and religious pilgrimages throughout the Visayas and other parts of the country.

Every January, the basilica serves as the focal point of the Sinulog Festival, Cebu’s largest cultural and religious celebration, a vibrant event that honors the Santo Niño through dance, music, and prayer.

As both a historical treasure and an active place of worship, the Basilica del Santo Niño remains a symbol of faith and resilience for Filipinos across generations.