Eye in the Sky: unesco world heritage site

Showing posts with label unesco world heritage site. Show all posts

Thursday, January 29, 2015

San Agustin Church - Philippines' Oldest Church (Intramuros, Manila)

Situated in the heart of walled Intramuros is the Philippines' oldest church, the only building left intact in Intramuros after the destruction caused by World War II. Construction began 1587 and took 19 years to complete (Manila Cathedral was erected in 1951). The church is run by the Augustinian friars and the present structure is the 3rd to rise on the same site after it has weathered several earthquakes and wars. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

This photo only courtesy of wikipedia.

The church is home to the remains of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (the first governor-general of the Spanish regime in the Philippines), Juan de Salcedo and Martin de Goiti (both were Spanish conquistadors who in 1567 led an army of 900 to conquer then-Islamic Manila, under the occupation of the Sultanate of Brunei).

At the contiguous building to its left is a museum which houses fascinating ecclesiastical and historical relics, as well as devotional images that underline the devout religiosity of the Filipinos.

Another note-worthy feature of the church is the intricate trompe l'oueil frescoes on the vaulted ceilings. Trompe L'Oueil is an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Photography isn't allowed inside the church, and one can enter the church when there's mass. The museum, on the other hand, has an entry fee of PhP100 per person. Photos from this post were mostly taken from the museum, though the heart of the whole complex is the grandiose church. The museum is open daily between 8AM to 12 noon and 1PM to 6PM.

If you're baffled to find "fu dragons" or Buddhist/Taoist figures on display at the gates of the surroundings, these are relics influenced by the Chinese artistry of the masons and artisans who helped build Intramuros and the colonial establishments of Manila during those bygone days of strife.

These days, the church is busy hosting weddings. In fact it prides itself as the "Wedding Capital of the Philippines", and for a good reason. After all, it is already 428 years old, and much of its old world grandeur is preserved within its walls. Wouldn't it be such a romantic idea to become a part of its 428 year legacy?

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Trompe l'oueil frescoes at the church's ceiling.

For more information, visit their website @ http://sanagustinchurch.org/. The church is located a couple of blocks at the back of Manila Cathedral, along General Luna Street in Intramuros. Call them at +632-527-2746 or +632-5274052.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Mumbai's Elephanta Island - Heritage, History, Beauty

Elephanta Island is 9 kilometers (some say 7 or 10) northeast from Mumbai Harbour. The island is home to a cave system that has been turned into both Hindu and Buddhist temples, with basalt rock carved into pillars and gods, including a 6-meter tall Sadashiva. In olden times, the island was called Gharapuri which literally means “city of caves”, kept afloat by an arm of the Arabian Sea.

The larger group contains Hindu images – with rock cut stone sculptures representing Shiva, while the smaller one has Buddhist carvings. Sometime in 1534, the Portuguese explorers came and ruled over the region.

What they found was a behemoth statue of an Elephant “guarding” the island, thus they renamed Gharapuri as such. In the caves, all they found were a few Kshatrapa coins from the 4^th century. Nothing else. The aforementioned elephant statue, though still in existence, has since been transferred in the Victorian Garden outside Bhau Daji Lad in Central Mumbai.

Locals believe that these caves aren’t man-made. In fact, some believe that Pandava, a hero (composed of five personages) from Mahabharata, was responsible for the creation of these caves, previously designed as an abode of sorts. Others believe Banasura, the demon devotee of Shiva, was responsible for its construction. Historians however believe that the place served as the capital of the Konkan Mauryas, dating them to the mid 6^th century (635 A.D.) Several other rulers made Elephanta their kingdom.

I paid 250 rupees for my foreigner’s entrance fees (locals pay a measly 10 rupees), plus a 5 rupee tax; then hopped into a boat that soon left the jetty. The ride was a pleasant and refreshing glide into the Arabian Seas, which took about an hour to get there. A miniature diesel train, looking more like a Willy Wonka carnival toy (as it’s painted red), awaits those who want to leisurely take their time (for a 10-rupee fee of course). Otherwise, it’s a short walk through rows of makeshift stalls selling souvenir items (shirts, wood carvings, trinkets, etc.). I had my first proper meal for the day before heading towards the caves. The journey would be a bit uphill, but it was hardly strenuous. It reminded me of the road towards the Perfumed Pagodas of North Vietnam.

Bucher (or Butcher ) Island is a fortress-like structure en route to Elephanta Island.

A short train ride costs 10 rupees. I didn't bother.

A short walk from here to those establishments. At the back of those structures are the caves. If walking is "too much" for you, you can take the 10-rupee train (above).

Affordable meals at the Elephanta Port Restaurant

Map of Elephanta Island

Though there are close to 10 caves in the complex, tourists gets to practically experience the two cave systems containing intricately carved statues. Taking photos of some of them without people was almost a challenge because of the big throng wandering around. It didn't take me more than an hour to see what had to be seen. There was also a little pictographic museum near the caves: Asi Site Museum, though I feel this was too simplistic, if not misplaced, beside these spectacular rock sculptures.

It’s easy to understand why the Elephanta Caves have been bestowed the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site as early as 1987, but India has so many of these grandiose sites. I’d favor many other sites than this one. I loved the boat ride though. In fact, one of my most favorite moments in Mumbai was this boat ride back to the Gateway. It felt peaceful, with most passengers keeping mum and enjoying the gentle late afternoon breeze.

The elephant statue found by the Portuguese guarding the cave. This photo only courtesy of wikipedia.

From a distance, the sun glistened like a fierce bowl of fire, deep orange and seemingly burning. It was a sight to behold.

Bucher Island looked like a sleeping fortress, with a flag waving languidly in the middle of the island, flapping gently against the wind. While the day seemed like a brisk series of slide shows, the boat disallowed any more movement outside the boundaries of the moving ship. For once, I was stationary. And it wasn't so bad.

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