The Perfect Guide to Exploring Intramuros: The Walled City

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There’s so much beauty in the old world, and to see a place which makes your soul feel like transcending the damages of time makes you feel a little bit invincible

Time and history, powerful, invisible forces which until now prevails in influencing our lives. What we are now is a result of our history and as Filipinos there’s no better place to reconnect with the past and its lessons than the beautiful Intramuros. Join me as I wander beyond its large stoned gates and explore its Spanish colonial era houses, churches and rich history. 

FORT SANTIAGO

This fortress or citadel named after Saint James was built during the reign of the Spanish governor Miguel López de Legazpi, it stood witness to several wars such as World War II where it was used by the Japanese Imperial Army and the flourish of the Spanish empire. Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned here before execution. Nowadays it still stands as a tourist attraction and part of a historical park, you may enter by paying 75 PESOS.

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH 

The oldest church in the Philippines, it was completed in 1607. One of the reasons why you need to visit this when you go to Intramuros is its title as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Famous people such as Juan Luna: a famous award-winning painter and activist and Miguel López de Legazpi also held their burial rites here.

BALUARTE DE SAN DIEGO GARDENS

This is a bastion built for the purpose of a clearer view for the artillery and for spotting invaders. It also briefly became home to the replica of the Statue of Liberty sponsored by the Chicago Daily Times. Nowadays it serves as a wedding venue and a garden filled with plants and the remains of artilleries used during the past wars. You may enter it for the price of about 50-70 pesos. 

NCCA (National Commission for Culture and Arts Building)

It is the official government agency for culture and arts in the Philippines, there is no entrance fee when entering the building and in some days it even houses exhibits from various artists. We were lucky to witness some exhibits for free when we visited there.

MEMORARE MANILA-1945

This gravestone serves as a memorial of one of the last battles fought within the history of Manila. It was sculpted by Peter de Guzman and commemorates the thousands of lives lost during one of the bloodiest battles in the Philippines during the Second World War. Nowadays, this serves as a Shrine of Freedom to honor those who lost their lives during that month-long battle in 1945. 

MANILA CATHEDRAL

This is a minor basilica dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, the Cathedral’s crypt serves as a resting place for former Archbishops of Manila and is a famous wedding venue. It also serves as one of the main churches where the Roman Catholic pope holds mass whenever he visits the Philippines.

SPANISH COLONIAL ERA STRUCTURES

Intramuros is home to well-preserved and elegant Spanish colonial era structures.  In present days, they serve as hotels, souvenir shops, cafes and museums. Walking around Intramuros would give you an unlimited sight of these buildings and will surely feed your hunger for historical and beautiful structures. Moreover they’d serve as the best background for your OOTD game so make sure to snap some photos for your feed.

Trivia

• Looking for a unique Starbucks? They’ve got one in there! Explore around Intramuros and you might just spot it along the way.
• Check out their website for their activities and events and more here: http://intramuros.gov.ph/
• Visit their Facebook page here: https://m.facebook.com/OfficialIntramurosAdministration/

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