Cloister

Overview

Stepping into the Cloister of San Agustin Church in Manila is like traversing a living chronicle, a tranquil sanctuary nestled within the bustling walled city of Intramuros. More than just a quiet passage, this historic cloister, now an integral part of the San Agustin Museum, offers a profound connection to over four centuries of Philippine history and culture. It serves as a physical and spiritual heart of the Augustinian convent, its stone arches and courtyards whispering tales of colonial Manila. It stands as a testament to endurance, a space where spiritual devotion intertwined with the daily lives of friars, even as the world outside changed dramatically. Today, it invites curious travelers to explore its rich past, discover its architectural resilience, and appreciate the serene beauty that has withstood the test of time.

History & Cultural Background

The history of San Agustin's Cloister is deeply intertwined with that of the San Agustin Church itself, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, completed in 1607. The initial cloister, contemporaneous with the church's construction, was established as an internal courtyard for the Augustinian monastery. As the religious community grew, a second cloister was constructed between 1623 and 1688, connected to the first by a passageway. A third story was later added to this second cloister in 1861. An extension of the first, known as the third cloister, was also built intermittently between 1713 and 1828. Sadly, much of the monastery, including parts of these cloisters, suffered extensive damage during the Battle of Manila in 1945, when American bombs left only the wall of the three-story second cloister standing. The resilient structure, however, survived, allowing for the eventual transformation of the monastery into the San Agustin Museum in 1973, preserving its hallowed halls and courtyards for future generations.

What Makes It Special

What truly distinguishes the San Agustin Cloister is its remarkable architectural resilience and its evolution into a repository of history and art. The cloister's design, reflecting the 'earthquake baroque' style prevalent in the Philippines, allowed it to endure numerous seismic events and wars that destroyed many other structures in Manila. Its sturdy stone construction, featuring arched galleries and serene courtyards, offers a palpable sense of the past. Today, these cloisters form the core of the San Agustin Museum, housing an extensive collection of Spanish colonial-era artifacts, religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, and antique furniture. The preserved ambiance, with its stone floors and sun-drenched patios, provides a unique backdrop for appreciating the artistic and spiritual legacy of the Augustinian Order in the Philippines.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• Echoes of History: The cloister has been a silent witness to some of Manila's most dramatic historical moments. It was the site of the public hanging of a murderer, Francisco de Nava, in 1635, and the assassination of Governor Francisco de Bustillo Bustamante in 1719.
• Military Encampments: Its strategic location within Intramuros made it a temporary home for various forces. Invading British soldiers encamped here in 1762, and Spanish troops in 1898.
• Botanical Legacy: The second cloister once housed the famous garden of Friar Manuel Blanco O.S.A., a renowned botanist. His extensive research on Philippine flora, documented in his monumental work 'Flora de Filipinas,' was partly inspired by the specimens cultivated within these very courtyards.
• Surviving the Storm: The San Agustin Church complex, including its cloister, was one of the few structures within Intramuros to survive the widespread destruction of World War II, making it a poignant symbol of resilience.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, the Cloister of San Agustin offers a captivating journey through time. As you walk through its cool, stone corridors and gaze upon the central courtyards, a sense of peace and reverence often descends. The museum's carefully curated exhibits, ranging from ancient religious icons to intricately carved furniture, seamlessly integrate with the architectural fabric of the cloister. It's a place for quiet contemplation, allowing visitors to imagine the lives of the friars who once walked these paths, tended to their gardens, and contributed significantly to the cultural and scientific heritage of the Philippines. The experience goes beyond merely seeing artifacts; it's about feeling the weight of history in the air, appreciating the beauty of enduring faith, and understanding the profound impact of the Augustinian presence on the nation.