HomeSanto Domingo Church (Quezon City), officially the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila, is one of the largest Catholic churches in the Philippines. It stands on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, within the Diocese of Cubao, and serves as the mother church of the Dominican Order (Order of Preachers) in the country, who have shepherded the community since Spanish times.
The Dominicans first raised a Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros, Manila, in 1587, with the first structure inaugurated on January 1, 1588. Over the centuries earthquakes, fires, and war destroyed a succession of buildings; the Intramuros church was destroyed during World War II in 1941. The present church was built in Quezon City between 1952 and 1954. Designed by architect José María Zaragoza in a monumental blend of Art Deco and modern styles, it was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2012 — the first such honor granted in Quezon City.
Our Lady of La Naval de Manila
The shrine enshrines the venerated ivory image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila, credited by devotees with the Spanish-Filipino naval victories over Dutch forces in 1646. Each October the church hosts the grand La Naval de Manila celebration, with novenas, Masses, and a solemn procession of ornate carrozas bearing images of saints that draws thousands of pilgrims.
Visitors come not only to pray but to admire the vast interior, its stained-glass windows by Galo Ocampo, murals by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and a historic pipe organ. See the weekly Mass schedule below and get directions to plan your visit.