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| What was once a ruined mortuary capilla is now a two-level, semi-concrete structure. |
Earlier, we featured the monumento of Malabon cemetery, an impressive two-storey structure and probably the largest of its kind in existence. At the rear of the cemetery behind this monument are the remains of a mortuary chapel, which might possibly date to 1853.
In 2008, heritage blogger Estan Cabigas visually documented the capilla for his blog simbahan.net. He noted that the ruins consisted of a rather low and roofless rectangular structure.
When the Pinoy Taphophiles visited the cemetery chapel recently, the ruins were gone--well, not totally gone, but integrated into another, more modern structure. As the pictures show, the chapel's remaining walls became the base for a newly-made concrete wall. A new chapel was erected by literally building upon the old capilla.
The main entrance was reinforced with concrete, obliterating its arched feature. The exterior corners of the chapel were also reinforced, entombing in concrete the Spanish-era faux columns. Only some parts of the facade as well as the untouched side walls serve as a reminder that this chapel dates from colonial times.
Apparently, this construction is part of a large-scale renovation (is that the word?) undertaken by parish authorities of San Bartolome Church, to which the cemetery is attached. The large church, which boasts of a Greek temple-style facade designed by Luciano Oliver in 1861, was recently renovated.
The renovation of the mortuary chapel is not yet complete, leading us to wonder: how will the finished structure look? Will it try to recreate--in cement, that is--the architectural details of the old capilla? Or will it completely cover the ancient adobe stonework? What do you think?
(Image of Malabon cemetery chapel ruin courtesy of simbahan.net.)
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| The chapel ruins as it looked back in 2008. |
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| Rermains of the ancient facade, now partly encased in concrete. |
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| Inside the chapel, now renovated, showing one of two side entrances. |
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| Another view of the renovated chapel, showing another side entrance. |
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| Side area shows the contrast between the old and new structures. |
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| Remnants of burial niches that once lined the walls flanking the chapel. |
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| Front view of the now-renovated mortuary chapel of Malabon cemetery. |
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