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Visit Intramuros in Manila
Puerta del Parian, one of the gates to Intramuros
Intramuros, the original Manila
In 1571 to the end of Spanish rule in 1898, Intramuros was Manila. It's also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district.
The 18-hole, par-66 Club Intramuros Golf Course
Intramuros Golf Course
Just outside the walls of Intramuros in a uniquely urban environment, on what used to be the moat surrounding the city, you can play golf at the 18-hole, par-66 Club Intramuros Golf Course. The club was established already in 1907. Caddies cost P300. Almost every hole includes either water hazards, out-of-bounds, or both. The golf course can be played in just over two hours.
On top of the old wall fortified with guns
Ancient walls vs modern houses
The wall of Intramuros
History and mystery are built into the two and three-quarter miles (around 4,4 km) of walls that surround the old capital of the Philippines. The first wall, built in 1570 was made of logs. Today the construction bears evidences of many builders and widely differing plans of defence.
Getting around Intramuros
Once inside the Intramuros you will not get lost, coz you are surrounded by the walls. A nice, old-fashioned way to get around the area is by calesa. These horse-drawn carriages can usually be found waiting for passengers near Fort Santiago. Since Intramuros is a limited and relatively small area, walking from one attraction to another is also a popular way to get around. For me walking was the perfect alternative, then I could discover all the attractions in my own pace.
Calesa, a horse-drawn carriage
The beautiful fountain in the Plaza Moriones
This girl is trying to ease up her quiet friend
Pain and sacrifices
When wandering around in this area and reading about all those important historical events which took place here you get a feeling of humbleness. There have been so much pain and sacrifices inside and around these walls of Intramuros. For example, Jose Rizal the national freedom hero of the Philippines was imprisoned here. He was later executed in Bagumbayan (now known as Rizal Park) just outside the walls of Intramuros on December 30, 1896. Or in 1945, during the fierce Battle of Manila between American, Filipino and Japanese forces, where so many soldiers paid the ultimate price and Intramuros was almost completely destroyed.
The main gate of Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago was first built by the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi
The model in question obviously suffers from the heat this day
Fort Santiago and the Rizal Shrine
Fort Santiago, the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. Although the fort sustained very heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Manila, several key portions of the compound were subsequently restored. It's now considered a major landmark and one of Manila's most popular tourist attractions, partly because José Rizal - the national hero of the Philippines - was imprisoned here prior to his execution on 30 Dec 1896. The Rizal Shrine, a small museum dedicated to his life and work, is housed in a restored section of one of the fort's former barracks.
Rizal Shrine, José Rizal was imprisoned here
The beautiful Plaza De Armas
I get a suspicious glance from this cat
Pasig River marks the border in the north of Intramuros
In memory of those 600 hundreds who died in the dungeons the very last days of WWII
The Dungeons
During World War II, Fort Santiago was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army. They used the dungeons as prison cells for captured Filipino and American soldiers. Around 600 bodies were found inside these dungeons and they probably died of starvation and suffocation on the very last days of the Battle of Manila.
Restoration
At the end of World War II, virtually all of the structures in Intramuros were destroyed, with only the damaged Church of San Agustin still standing. Since 1979, the Intramuros Administration has been slowly restoring the walls, the sub-features of the fortification, and the city within. The remaining five original gates have been restored or rebuilt.
How to get to Intramuros
Nearest train station: LRT1-Central Terminal
Or my personal recommendation, get off at United Nations Avenue and then take a 10 minutes nice walk. You will pass the Rizal Park and among others the National Museum of Fine Arts, which both are well worth visits.
Or my personal recommendation, get off at United Nations Avenue and then take a 10 minutes nice walk. You will pass the Rizal Park and among others the National Museum of Fine Arts, which both are well worth visits.
Related links:
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Visit Intramuros in Manila
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
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Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
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UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park