Paris in the heart of Manila

Completed in 1891, San Sebastian Church is noted for its architectural features. An example of the revival of Gothic architecture in the Philippines, it has been recognized by the UNESCO as the ONLY ALL STEEL church or basilica in Asia. It has also been implausibly reputed to be the only prefabricated steel church in the world. In 2006, San Sebastian Church was included in the Tentative List for possible designation as a World Heritage Site. It has long been reputed that Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer behind the Eiffel Tower and the steel structure within the Statue of Liberty, was involved in its design and construction. Official catalogues of Eiffel make possible reference to the design and exportation of a church in Manila in 1875, or 13 years before construction of San Sebastian Church actually began. If true, this would still not preclude the possibility that Eiffel had designed the metal structure of the church, with architect Genaro Palacios completing the actual design of the entire church." - Wikipedia Upon entering this one of a kind church situated in the eastern end of Claro Recto St. in Quiapo, Manila, you will feel it's solemnity and gothic presence making you feel like you're somewhere in Paris or anywhere in Europe. For me to recount all my pre-readings of this unique basilica, that it is truly an "all steel" built church, I tried pulling out a coin from my pocket and knock on some of the church's collosal columns. The friction produced a metallic sound. I smiled for I know, the church is made genuine of metal indeed! Marvelous wonder! Try attending a mass there. It's open on Sundays.