An exclusive look at the Apostolic Nunciature

SIMPLE AND ELEGANT. This is how the Apostolic Nunciature looks like.

Written by Stephen John Pamorada

An exclusive look at the Apostolic Nunciature (designed by National Artist for Architecture Jose Ma. Zaragoza) in Taft Avenue, Manila, the ecclesiastical office of the Roman Catholic Church that serves as the Embassy of the Holy See in the Philippines. Official residence of Pope Francis during his four-day official visit to the country.

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In the main reception room, comfortable sofas in contemporary style are balaced by good art objects such as the Italian Renaissance painting, Casa Pesaro, the original of which is in the Church of St. Catherine in Madrid; the lamp base of winged cherubs; and, not seen here, more Chinese lacquered chest. Glassed doors at right lead to dining room.

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The small chapel is flanked by ceramic Stations of the Cross on the left and arched Romanesque windoes on the right. Simple altar bronze tabernacle of contemporary design.

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From Italy came this unusual depiction of the Stations of the Cross. The agony of Christ on His way to Calvary was painted on ceramics, and mounted separately in relief on raise wooden panels.

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Large Faience dishes with intricate floral designs and gold trim decorate a wall of the dining room, here shown set for a meal. Candelabra and elegant chandelier add to the classic beauty of the room.