The church was built in 1606, it was made of bamboo, nipa and mulawen at first. The church was oftentimes damaged by eartquake. It was rebuilt again in 1810 and damaged again in 1945 during “World War II”. The image of Nuestra Senora De Guia was originally homed at Manila Cathedral and transferred here in 1918. The present church was built in 1947.

Her image is the oldest in the Philippines having been discovered on May 19, 1571 around the seashore which is now the site of the Ermita Church by soldiers of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi after he took over possession of the city in honor of King Felipe II of Spain. It is said that the image must have been one of those brought to the country by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and must have been sent by the Cebu native chiefs as a gift to one of the rajahs in Manila.

The Shrine of Nuestra Senora De Guia is popularly known as Ermita Church. That’s the best picture I can show you, it was dark already and this was my sixth church on my list. Remember, Visita Iglesia is at night time. The picture of the Altar of Repose from my Visita Iglesia article was taken here at Ermita Church or Nuestra Senora De Guia Church. Their Altar of Repose is really beautiful highlighted with all the flowers, curtains and lights.

Anyway, from Intramuros, another jeepney ride bound to Harrison or Baclaran will take you to Ermita, Manila. You can see the shrine at your left, few blocks from UN Avenue.

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