Echoes of History: Exploring Intramuros, Manila's Timeless Walled City

Intramuros

Intramuros (walled city)

Intramuros is a historic district located at the heart of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The name "Intramuros" is derived from Latin and means "within the walls." The district is surrounded by fortified walls and moats, and it served as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period.

Key features and attractions within Intramuros include:

1. Fort Santiago:

   • A citadel located at the entrance of Intramuros. It has historical significance as a defense fortress during the Spanish colonial period and was later used as a prison during World War II.

2. San Agustin Church and Museum:

• The San Agustin Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest stone church in the Philippines. The attached museum houses a collection of religious artifacts and colonial-era items.

1. Manila Cathedral:

• The Manila Cathedral is an iconic religious structure and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. It has undergone several reconstructions and renovations over the centuries.

1. Plazas and Parks:

   • Intramuros features several plazas and parks, such as Plaza de Roma and Puerta Real Gardens, offering green spaces for relaxation and historical appreciation.

2. Casa Manila:

• Casa Manila is a museum that replicates a colonial-era house, providing visitors with a glimpse into the lifestyle of the upper class during the Spanish period.

1. Baluartes (Bastions):

   • Intramuros is fortified with several bastions or baluartes, such as Baluarte de San Andres and Baluarte de San Diego, which were part of the defensive structures of the walled city.

2. Walled City's Gates:

   • There are several gates that serve as entrances to Intramuros, including Puerta Real, Puerta de Santa Lucia, Puerta de Isabel II, and Puerta del Parian.

3. Intramuros Light and Sound Museum:

• The museum uses multimedia presentations to narrate the history of Intramuros, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

 

Intramuros is not only a historical site but also a cultural and educational destination, preserving the Spanish colonial heritage of the Philippines. Visitors can explore its cobblestone streets, admire colonial architecture, and learn about the country's history through various museums and landmarks. It is a must-visit for those interested in understanding the roots of Filipino culture and identity.

is a Spanish building in the Philippines. Walk into one of the oldest Hispanic stone fortresses in the country. Fort Santiago is located in the northern part of the wallwd city.
In Pre-colonial times, this was the site of Rajah Soliman's "kuta" or fort. The spaniards under the term of Governor Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas fortified what was originally wooden structures.
Other governors general continued to modernize Fort Santiago's defenses. Which makes it probably the best laid-out portion of the walls.

Intramuros

Intramuros a historical and oldest distric place and core of the Manila City the capital of Philippines and also they called Walled City.
Manila city was the seat of government when the Philippines were a component realm of the Spanish Empire.This construction was started by the Spanish Colonial Government in the late 16th century to protect for the city from foreign invasions.
First originally located along the shores of the Manila Bay, south of the entrance to Pasig River, but Guarding the old city is Fort Santiago, its citadel located at the mouth of the river. Land reclamations during the early 20 th-century subsequently obscured the walls and fort from the bay.

This region have many historical churches and a large part has been restored buildings, statues, parks and open-air restaurants, art galleries, a tourist gift shop and cultural center. This region having mystical atmosphere historic streets of the Intramuros, It is possible to visit accompanied kalesa called authentic carriages. Surely one of the stops in the region to be visited, Barrio San Luis along Juan Luna Street in natural building located on side by side with virtually no distortion, achieved the restoration of colonial-era house is 5 units.
Intramuros was heavy damaged during the battle to recapture the city from the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War. Started reconstruction of the walls in 1951 when Intramuros was declared a National Historical Monument, which is continued to this day by the Intramuros Administration.