Intramuros

Intramuros (La Ciudad Murada/ The Walled City) was capital of the entire archipelago during the 300-year rule of the Spaniards. Housing the provincial houses of the major religious orders, their schools, and the palaces of the civil government as well as large warehouses for Spanish trade goods and military ammunition, Intramuros was the center of the humongous Spanish Empire in Asia. If there is one sole original structure within Intramuros, it is none other than San Agustín Church, the only connection of any person to the history, art and culture of pre-War Intramuros. It is an exquisite repository of local Baroque designs and fixtures. Built in 1581, it is a UNESCO heritage site. If there is one museum in Intramuros you must visit, it is this one. Inaugurated in 1975 by the former Principe de Asturias (eventually King) Juan Carlos de Borbon and former Princess Sofía, it holds a vast collection of Augustinian and ecclestiastical arts and artifacts saved through the years. The former monastery gives visitors a veritable feel of the religious life in one of Intramuros’ seven convents, with its manicured gardens and patios, stone staircase and cloister or clausura lined with religious paintings. Plaza San Luis Complex. A reconstructed compound, it resembles a Spanish colonial residential enclave. Entering it gives you a semblance of what it was like to enter the mansions of pre-War Intramuros. Currently, it houses souvenir shops and Barbara’s, one of a few dining options in Intramuros. Although the Barbara’s in the upper floor is quite formal in set-up, you can enjoy a more relaxed dining experience at the first floor, surrounded by plants and white-washed stone walls. Sometimes, rondalla music would accompany you here. Manila Cathedral. Destroyed during the Liberation of Manila in 1945, the current building was rebuilt in 1958 through the efforts of the first Filipino Cardinal, Archbishop Rufino Cardinal Santos.

So much history there. A must visit for all foreigners in Manila. A wonderful place to spend a day. You will be proud of the brave soilders who fought against the Spanish and Japanese.

This tour was the perfect blend of sight-seeing and exercise while learning about the history of the ancient Spanish Intramuros fort in Manila. Drinks afterwards at the Bayleaf Hotel while watching the sun set over the city was absolutely breathtaking :-D

Intramuros is best known as the walled city. This dates as far back as 16th century Manila.Many Hispanic influence can be seend specially at the Churches - mainly St Augustine Church and the Manila Cathedral.Ruins of several buildings and fort are the memories brought about by the World War II.

the best area of Manila. the area is a walled place with many places influenced by Spanish architecture. the Manila Cathedral is located there as well as another fine church worth exploring . Forth Santiago is on the far north end and worth a stop. The wall can be explored and can be walked .

Immerse yourself to a rich history and Filipino culture by visiting Intramuros. Smacked in the middle of Manila, it's very accessible through public transport.

Old Town in Manila . Great location , buildings , cathedral . Great looking at the evening . plenty of small bars and restaurants .

Old-world Intramuros is home to Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago, with a large stone gate and a shrine to national hero José Rizal. The ornate Manila Cathedral houses bronze carvings and stained glass windows, while the San Agustin Church museum has religious artwork and statues. Spanish colonial furniture and art fill Casa Manila museum, and horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) ply the area’s cobblestone streets.

I got to take a tour on a calesa. Lots of history here. I made sure to take a pic of the place with the cannons.

if you happen to be in Manila this is one of the things you should include on your visit. I used the Grab app ( Uber in the Philippines) it was about 300PHP and you will need to pay the toll fee of 160PHP to get to the north of Metro Manila. Once you get there go and visit the Manila house and rent this amazing bamboo bikes and a tourist guide who will take you to amazing corners of Intramuros while describing the history behind this Spanish arquitecture.