The University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary Building currently houses the Santísimo Rosario Parish, the Central Seminary, and the Faculties of Ecclesiastical Studies of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila. The parish was canonically inaugurated on April 26, 1942, by Michael J. O'Doherty, the Archbishop of Manila.Santissimo Rosario Parish of the University of Santo Tomas Santissimo Rosario Parish website accessed October 26, 2012 On January 25, 2010, the National Museum of the Philippines formally declared the Central Seminary Building as a National Cultural Treasure.National Museum declares UST structures as National Cultural TreasuresUniversity of Santo Tomas website accessed October 27, 2012Formal Declaration of UST National Cultural Treasures University of Santo Tomas Museum of Arts and Sciences website accessed October 27, 2012UST sites declared 'National Treasures'The Varsitarian website accessed October 27, 2012UST landmarks declared ‘National Treasures’The Inquirer website accessed October 27, 2012UST landmarks to be declared national cultural treasuresThe Manila Bulletin website accessed October 27, 2012UST spots declared cultural treasuresGMA Network website accessed October 27, 2012
Architecture
The Central Seminary of the University of Santo Tomas was designed by Fernando Hizon Ocampo Sr. It was built in the 1930s. The plan of the seminary was configured in the form of the letter E, with courtyards bisecting the wings. The boxy building had an elongated frontage assembling a continuous band of balconies and windows on the second and third level. The structure's horizontally-oriented massing was broken by an engaged central section at the main entrance and two other similar treatments at the end portions. An art deco relief, bud-like finials, and a tableau embellished the stepped pylon at the entrance.
Official declaration Section 3 of "The Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act" states that a "National Cultural Treasure is a unique object found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is significant and important to this country and nation." This recognition marks the first ever inclusion of an educational institution among the ranks of National Cultural Treasures, with the majority of structures being churches and the rest being terrestrial landmarks, intangible cultural property and movable objects. As heritage sites, they will be accorded protection and recognition, giving importance to their witness of 400 years of tumultuous Philippine history.
Gallery
References
External links
Website of Central Seminary