8 Designers Talk About The Most Beautiful Churches They Have Visited

Anthony Nazareno, Principal, Nazareno + Guerrero Design Consultancy

Photo Credit: Nazareno Guerrero Design Consultancy

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

“The architecture and the history of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore leaves one returning for more to see and experience. The cathedral’s dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is an engineering feat that remains to be the largest masonry dome ever built. And just under this dome is Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgement. A massive fresco that is only under appreciated because of how high this is from the ground. One also cannot help but marvel at the bronze doors of the Baptistery which is actually across the Cathedral. These awed Michelangelo enough for him to call the Baptistery Doors as The Gates To Paradise. It helps that Santa Maria del Foliore is in Florence, a favorite city to visit.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anthony Nazareno

Anton Barretto, Interior Designer and Metro Home Host

“Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love to travel. I enjoy the adventure of experiencing new places and revisiting those I’ve already been to. But not a lot know that I always make it a point to visit a landmark church of the place I’m visiting. Or as I’m walking around and I see a church or a chapel, most likely, I’ll enter and say a short prayer of thanksgiving. I’ve taken many personal pilgrimage trips—that’s what I call them. I zero in on where my favorite patron Saint is at and I mark the map and plan a trip around it. So when asked to share what would be the most beautiful church I’ve visited and why, my memory bank got a bit frazzled. All the churches I’ve visited have left me with good memories. In many ways, it’s not so much the (architecture) beauty of a church that I get attracted to. The beauty of a church, for me, is found in the serenity I feel, the peace and tranquility that envelope my emotions from the time I step inside, and while I’m saying a short prayer. I do take time to explore the church I visit. I walk around paying attention to each and every detail. I particularly enjoy looking at the side altars; these little spaces are wonderful to see. I appreciate the churches that have small pocket gardens that allow visitors to explore."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anton Barretto

Chiesa di Sant'Alfonso di Liguori all'Esquilino

“I have so many favorite churches. If I enumerate all, it will be a long list. So what I’ll do is share with you a story about a church I try to visit every year to continue a devotion I have and give thanks for answered prayers. It’s Chiesa di Sant'Alfonso di Liguori all'Esquilino in Rome. The church is not grand—the exterior is simple, quite humble in appearance compared to the other churches in Rome. It is a stone's throw away from Santa Maria Maggiore. The style is gothic revival with beautiful marble and mosaic detail. In this church, you will find the original 14th century icon of our Lady of Perpetual Help."

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

"In 2017, I visited Rome during the Holy Week, since this church is always on my to do list when in Rome. I looked up the day when English mass would be and went. I guess the list was not accurate because of the Holy Week services or my googling skills were amiss because when I did go. The mass was not in English and it did not start at 4pm. I walked into an empty church, so I went up to a priest and asked."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anton Barretto

"The priest told me the mass will start at 5pm and he asked me to take part in the washing of the feet ceremony. How can one say no to a priest, while in a church and during the Holy Week. Next scene, I’m in a procession that circled the church, and was one of the apostles during the ceremony. Because of this once in a lifetime experience, I feel very connected to this church and it has made my devotion to our Lady of Perpetual Help even more meaningful.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anton Barretto

Cal Tavera, Space Stylist

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera

Chapel of Cartwheels in Hacienda Rosalinda, Bacolod

“I visited this beautiful chapel exactly 10 years ago in 2012. We chanced upon the Chapel of Cartwheels in Hacienda Rosalinda on one of our long drives outside Bacolod City . It was created by the owners, the Gaston Family, in the ‘60s, to hold mass for the workers and their families. Materials either came from the hacienda or nearby sources."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera

"Discarded cartwheels from the carts that used to transport the sugar harvest defined the exteriors. The circular walls are then topped by a roof patterned after a salakot, a traditional local hat."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera

"Inside, families sat on rustic hardwood slabs which they created themselves. A pestle acts as a vessel for holy water and mortar was used to create candle holders."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera

"There is much charm to be found in its organic form and in how the owners’ resourcefulness made it more meaningful for the people who worked and attended masses there. One reason to visit it? It’s an example that even the most basic and simple of things can be beautiful when constructed in such a thoughtful way.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera

Cathy Saldana, CEO and Managing Partner of PDP Architects

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cathy Saldana

“There are several churches I find so special in the Philippines, but my foremost favorite is the modern Leandro Locsin-designed Parish of the Holy Sacrifice or the UP Catholic Chapel in the University of the Philippines Diliman. Beyond just praying there as an Architecture student, either for supplication before an exam or for thanks after a tough semester, it is such a bastion of art, a virtual museum of National Artists' works. From Locsin to Luz, from Manansala to Abueva, be amazed at the contemporary Philippine masters' pieces. Reflect on the windows that frame trees in all seasons. Enjoy the natural ventilation. That's a special place for me.”

Photo Credit: Parish of the Holy Sacrifice Facebook Page

Karisa Yee, Interior Designer

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karisa Yee

Sagrada Familia

“When I visited Barcelona a few years ago, I jumped at the chance to visit this monumental basilica. Its distinctive form can be seen from blocks away. I was in awe of the massive structure, its height, form and the detailed finishing was striking."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karisa Yee

"It was unbelievable how anyone can design any space in that way. A mixture of gothic revival and art nouveau, one can only fathom how the drawings and construction took shape when all they relied on back in 1882 was hand-drawn details and perspectives."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karisa Yee

"What I like most about Sagrada Familia is the way Gaudi used light to accentuate its intricate and beautiful ceiling. What appeared to be small dots to my eye showed the different transformative shapes at the ceiling as well as filtered light through the columns."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karisa Yee

"Symbolism can also be found throughout, like the three types of facade and the stained glass window adding colored filtered light to the spa."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karisa Yee

"140 years and [this sacred space is] still in progress."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karisa Yee

"As the saying goes, 'great things take time!'"

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karisa Yee

Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy, Decorator

Photo Credit: Jar Concengco

Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura

“There are three Churches that I love: one overseas and two in the Philippines. Mission San Buenaventura or Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura in Ventura was founded by the order of Friar Minor in 1782."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy

" It is a Spanish mission church with a beautiful garden, white adobe walls, and machuca floors. It reminds me of Mexico and the churches in San Miguel de Allende."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy

Jaro Cathedral

“In the Philippines, it’s definitely the Jaro Cathedral in IloIlo."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy

I’m always in awe with the paintings of its vaulted ceiling, the 18th century statues of saints lined up towards the main altar and the baroque retablos."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy

"The architecture is definitely Baroque in its simplest form, with neo gothic and neo classical elements. Totally magnificent!"

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy

Roy De Guzman, Church Builder

"Heritage, Spirit of the Place(Diwa ng Lunan),Presence of the Lord and architectural features such as ceiling height, beautiful sanctuary, series of images of the saints [were the categories by which I chose these churches].

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roy De Guzman

Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat,Manila

"[Here, there are] 360 degrees full of art. the faithful are actively participating in the Liturgy of Hour with the monks."

Photo Credit: @rosula.avendano

Sto. Domingo Church

"Subjectively my Parish, Santo Domingo Church which is also home of the Dominican friars and Miraculous image Our Lady of Rosary La Naval de Manila. Given the Dominican Friars are very good in preaching the gospel, also the Simplicity and Gradeur of the Jose Maria Zaragoza's magnum opus fused the "maaliwalas" sight, proportionality from nave level to its ceiling height, neutral environment, Giant panelss Kraut Stained Glass, Botong Francisco Paintings Galo Ocampo Antonio Garcia-Llamas Mossaic."

Photo Credit: @iamredboi

St.Joseph Convent Perpetual Adoration, Pink Sisters New Manila

"[This sacred space] is my Oasis, a total silent place, praying with nuns and contemplating on the exposed Blessed Sacrament [are what make this church memorable]."

Photo Credit: Edgar Santos

Tayabas Basilica

"For impact on heritage architecture."

Photo Credit: @benisonestareja

Photo Credit: @benisonestareja

Argao Church, Cebu

"Also for impact on heritage architecture."

Photo Credit: Joel Aldor

Photo Credit: Project Kisame

Wilmer Lopez, Principal, Space Encounters

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wilmer Lopez

The Manila Cathedral

“Most Catholics are familiar with Manila Cathedral. Many feast days and Papal visits have been celebrated inside its walls since it rose again from the ruins when it was bombed during the Battle of Liberation in 1945."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wilmer Lopez

" But for me, personally, it’s about faith, nostalgia, and appreciation."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wilmer Lopez

"I always visit this church when I go to Intramuros to admire the beautiful Neo Romanesque architecture, which is a testament to the legendary talent of Kapampangan Architect Ferrnando H. Ocampo."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wilmer Lopez

"Also, the old church bell that was moved to the ground level to prevent the bell tower from collapsing is a sight to behold."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wilmer Lopez

"There’s one visit that I cannot forget. My mother and I visited and attended mass in Manila Cathedral in 2019. Our ancestral home had just burned down and it was also a few months before the eruption of Taal Volcano and the start of the pandemic. At that point, we as a family have lost almost everything—the house, memories, furniture, and memorabilia."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wilmer Lopez

"Visiting Manila Cathedral was a reminder to start over again and move forward. Just like this historical structure, we can also rebuild our lives from the ashes. In a way, the Cathedral comforted us and inspired us to hope and keep the faith. Ocampo also inspired me with his deep love and appreciation for the older cathedral structure and to do the same for our ancestral home when I started rebuilding it.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wilmer Lopez