PARTS of SAN SEBASTIAN BASILICA: An Exploration of Quiapo’s All-Steel Marvel
Photos: Yasuda Rain | Graphics: Diego Torres
Rising high over the eastern side of Quiapo are the spires and pinnacles of San Sebastian Basilica. The church was first established in 1621, but disasters have razed it to the ground multiple times. Completed in 1891, the present church is an all-steel product of the Industrial Revolution and was the Augustinian Recollects’ way of building a church to last the ages. Today, the all-steel church is undergoing conservation, having been a victim of rust and corrosion in the past century.
In this post, we highlight the different features of San Sebastian Basilica, to familiarize people with this beautiful structure.
ribbed vaults
The ceiling of the nave and the aisles are composed of ribbed vaults which utilize pointed arches. Unlike their medieval counterpart, the ribbed vaulted ceiling of San Sebastian is made of steel and primarily screens the industrial trusses and steel beams behind. The ceiling and walls are painted to mimic stone, giving guests an illusion of being in a t a traditional stone church.
piers
Tall piers line the nave, rising high into the vaulted ceiling above. Like their medieval tone counterparts, the piers are composed of three parts: base, shaft, and capital.
rose windows
Three rose windows can be found in San Sebastian. One on the southern facade, another on the western facade, and lastly, one on the eastern facade. Rose windows are divided into parts by mullions and tracery. By the 1800s, rose windows had become associated with the Virgin Mary.
stained glass windows
The windows of San Sebastian are adorned with stained glass depicting various scenes from the life of Jesus as well as various patterns. The stained glass windows bathe the interior of the basilica with an array of colors, adding vibrancy to the dark interiors of the church. San Sebastian’s stained glass windows are among very few examples of stained glass windows that date from the Spanish period and Prewar Years (World War 2).
murals
The walls of San Sebastian are adorned with numerous murals. More than a hundred figures are painted on the walls, including trompe l’oeil motifs. These were done by artists and students of the Academy of Fine Arts. The walls were also painted to look like faux stone. Unfortunately, many of the murals have faded or fallen into disrepair. These are currently undergoing studies for conservation.
altar
At the northern end of the nave is the sanctuary. Here stands the altar table and the altar. San Sebastian’s altar is made of wood, unlike the rest of the structure which is made of steel. Featured on the altar are the images of Saint Sebastian (top), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (center), Saint Simon Stock (left), and Saint Therese of Avila (right).
choir loft
Located over the main portal was the choir loft, which was used by the choir. An iron spiral stair allowed access from the church to the choir loft. This stairway is closed nowadays due to safety concerns. The choir loft can now be accessed more conveniently from the convent building next door. Located on the choir loft is the pipe organ of San Sebastian.
convent
Right next to San Sebastian Basilica is the modern convent of the Augustinian Recollects. When the church was completed in 1891, the convent was still a bahay na bato building. After the war, the structure was modernized and a new convent was built taking design elements from San Sebastian Church to blend in properly.
pulpit
Attached to one of the piers is the pulpit of San Sebastian. The pulpit is richly decorated with Gothic motifs, gilt finish, and paintings. The pulpit was where the priest would have delivered the sermon. Pulpits were strategically located on the pier nearest to the dome since sound bounced better in that area. The pulpit of San Sebastian is missing its steps. This is because the altar had been removed in the middle of the 20th century and was only returned later for decorated purposes.