The San Agustin Museum, listed as a World Heritage Site, Manila, Philippines

Located within the historic walled city of Manila, the San Agustin Museum (San Augustin Church) is situated inside the San Agustin Church, a national historical landmark designated by the Philippine government. It was included in the World Heritage List in 1983, and locals refer to it as the 'Stone Church'. The San Agustin Church was originally built in 1587 and survived the British invasion of 1762, although it was desecrated. The church was damaged during the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Japanese invasion of 1942, but it was preserved. Having withstood numerous earthquakes, the church stands firm and is considered a miracle. The museum's architecture is grand and solemn, with colored glass refracting sunlight and casting shadows. The museum houses a collection of books related to religion, as well as instruments used in religious ceremonies. The bas-reliefs on the boulders, wood carvings, and murals are exquisitely vivid, narrating doctrines and stories from the Bible. Once again, one can see the suffering of Jesus on the eve of the Last Supper. I didn't catch a mass or wedding during my visit, but one can imagine the solemnity and sanctity of worship. There is an admission fee for visitors to the museum. The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia where the majority of the population is Catholic. There are many ancient churches in the historic city of Manila that are worth visiting.