[3][4][5][6] The Manila earthquake on June 3, 1863, destroyed Manila Cathedral, the Ayuntamiento (city hall), the Governor's Palace (all three located at the time on Plaza Mayor, now Plaza de Roma) and much of the city.

The residence of the governor-general was moved to Malacañang Palace located about 3 km (1.9 miles) up the Pasig River, while the other two buildings were rebuilt in place.

Laid in ruins the cathedral and nearly all the other churches, except San Agustin, the palace of the Governor-General, the Audiencia, the barracks, warehouses, etc.

Of private houses 570 were destroyed, 531 were left tottering.

The catastrophe likewise involved many towns in the District of Morong and the provinces of Manila, Laguna, and Cavite, where it destroyed churches and a great number of houses.