Manila’s rich tapestry of history and faith is best seen through its iconic churches—each a monument to centuries-old devotion and stunning architecture. For Filipinos observing 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐈𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚 during Holy Week, visiting these sacred sites can be a spiritual journey and a logistical challenge. Thankfully, the NLEX Connector now offers a smoother route, connecting the north and south of Metro Manila and making it easier to reach these seven must-visit churches.

Here’s a guide to the most beloved churches accessible via the NLEX Connector’s España and Magsaysay exits:

𝟏. 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 (𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐬) – The Oldest Stone Church in the Philippines
A UNESCO World Heritage site, San Agustin features intricate Baroque details and a museum filled with religious relics.
🛣️ España Exit – 15 minutes away

𝟐. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐥 (𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐬) – Symbol of Resilience and Faith
As the Mother Church of the Philippines, the cathedral impresses with its grand façade and stained-glass windows—perfect for prayer and reflection.
🛣️ España Exit – 15 minutes away

𝟑. 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 – All-Steel Gothic Beauty
The only all-steel church in Asia, its neo-Gothic spires and vibrant glasswork make it a standout architectural gem.
🛣️ Magsaysay Exit – 10 minutes away

𝟒. 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐮𝐬 (𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐥) – Church of Hope
Known for Thursday novenas, it welcomes devotees seeking strength and intercession in times of need.
🛣️ Magsaysay Exit – 9 minutes away

𝟓. 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳) – A Quiet Haven for Eucharistic Adoration
This shrine offers a peaceful space for silent worship before the Blessed Sacrament.
🛣️ España Exit – 14 minutes away

𝟔. 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐚𝐩𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 (𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐍𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞) – Center of Filipino Devotion
Always bustling, Quiapo Church draws thousands daily for its miraculous image of the Black Nazarene.
🛣️ España Exit – 9 minutes away

𝟕. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 (𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐥, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐜) – A Chapel in the Heart of Academia
Located within the University of Santo Tomas, this parish has served generations with its serene and sacred atmosphere.
🛣️ España Exit – 6 minutes away

𝐀 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡
The NLEX Connector makes Holy Week travel more convenient by easing congestion and cutting down travel time across Manila. For pilgrims, it offers a less stressful, more meaningful Visita Iglesia—enabling more time for reflection and devotion, and less time stuck in traffic.

Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or an annual devotee, let this new expressway guide you on a smooth and solemn journey of faith.