Malolos Cathedral
As we commemorate next week the 123rd anniversary of the opening of the Malolos Congress, let’s go around the heritage town of Malolos and explore the different heritage buildings that played a role in the formation of the First Philippine Republic.
First up is the mother church of Malolos, now the Malolos Cathedral or the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Not only did it serve as the first parochial church of the then town of Malolos, it also served as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s office as President of the First Philippine Republic from 10 September 1898 to 29 March 1899.
The first church of Malolos was built in 1591, while the present one was constructed within 1814-1817 using predominantly Neoclassical style.
The Church became the Presidential Palace of Emilio Aguinaldo in 1899.
At the church, patio stands the Kalayaan Tree, which also witnessed the First Philippine Republic’s important political figures having discussions under its shade.
One hundred years later in 1999, the church was elevated into a Minor Basilica.
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