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 Sprawling in Metro Manila are towering skyscrapers, trendy shopping malls, concrete roads and bridges that suit every urban dweller’s fast-paced lifestyle. However, in a small pocket of land at the heart of the city stands another world of a seemingly different time. It is the walled metropolis of Intramuros Manila, an ancient colonial city valued at more than 300 years worth of Philippine history.
Surrounded by a massive 4.5 km long stonewall, Intramuros Manila was the seat of government during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines from 1590 to 1898. It was the premier place of all political and military activities, the main center for education, as well as the birthplace of most religious orders.
Some tourist destinations to visit are:
San Agustin Church
The oldest Church in the Philippines was built in 1587. With a style that is predominantly baroque, the San Agustin Church has XIXth Century chandeliers, a dome ceiling with intricate three-dimensional paintings, a pulpit, molave choir stalls, and a pipe organ. It is also here where the tomb of Manila’s founder, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi is located.
 Fort Santiago
One’s stay in Intramuros will not be complete without a visit to Fort Santiago. What used to be the Spanish military headquarters as well as the prison that held Filipino artist and patriotJose Rizal is perhaps the most popular tourist spot within the walls. Although it was brutally damaged during the World War II, substantial efforts have been made to restore this historical place. Today, the garrison that was Fort Santiago is now a tribute to Rizal and his monumental achievements. Located inside the fort are two museums in his name, the Rizal Shrine and the Rizaliana.
Plaza Moriones
Just outside Fort Santiago is Plaza Moriones, a public promenade surrounded by a beautifully-landscaped garden. Wooden benches are conveniently located around the area for a picnic maybe, or simply for a place to rest after exploring the mysteries of Fort Santiago. Spacious and elliptical in shape, one can also opt to take a scenic kalesa ride around the plaza. Several restaurants and souvenir shops are located by the entrance for those interested in a little shopping before venturing off to other sites in the city.
Baluarte de San Diego
Reconstructed in the 17th century, Baluarte de San Diego is a fortification shaped like the ace of spades. Strategically placed near its protective walls are historic cannons that were used to ward off enemies during the Spanish regime. What remains of the fort today are the ruins of an underground dungeon. While the moats surrounding the fort have been converted into an extensive golf course, the fort itself has evo lved into a place where visitors can sit on the grass and relax or even climb Intramuros’ famed walls and enjoy a spectacular view of Manila.
Today, Intramuros Manila exists as the most authentic remnant of Hispanic influence in the Philippines. The stonewalls, perhaps still serving its purpose, have left the insides close to what they were centuries ago, with horse-drawn carriages still roaming the cobblestone streets. It is now home to some of the country’s oldest churches and esteemed museums, where foreigners and locals alike can walk back in time and marvel at the country’s rich history in all its austerity and grandeur.
For a theatrical, almost animated excursion through Old Manila, take Carlos Celdran’s Walking Tour and Ivan Dy’s Big Binondo Woking Tours where tourists and locals leave with entertained souls and satisfied palates. |
