Top 10 Unknown Facts about Intramuros

photo by P199 from Wikimedia

Top 10 Unknown Facts about Intramuros

Intramuros is a unique ancient city in Manila that draws millions of tourists each year. This historic wall city represents a significant part of Filipino history dating back to the 16^th century.

 It is one of the oldest districts in Manila, which was built by the Spaniards in 1571. In the past, the city has served as the military, religious, and political headquarters. Today Intramuros stand as important monuments in the Filipino’s long and diverse history.

Here are the top 10 unknown facts about Intramuros.

1. Intramuros is a Walled City

Intramuros is the 0.67-square-kilometer historic walled area within the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The walls around the city were constructed in the late 16^th century to protect the city from external invasions.

Spanish military engineers specializing in fortifications designed and supervised the construction of the walls around the City. Over the years after the initial constructions as done, the walls have been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times.

Today, Intramuros walls have no uniform plan since the construction was carried on during different periods and often far apart.

2. Fort Santiago

photo by Micropawn from Wikimedia

One of the most interesting sites in Intramuros is Fort Santiago. The fort was built in 1571 by a Spanish navigator in honor of Saint James the patron saint of Spain.

It is most associated with José Rizal, one of the Philippine national heroes who were imprisoned there before his execution in 1896. The fort also witnessed a gruesome massacre of Filipinos by Japanese occupiers during World War 2.

The fort holds an important chapter of the Philippines’ history, it has survived Spanish, Japanese, British, and American occupations. Fort Santiago was declared a Shrine of Freedom in 1950 and was put under the hands of the National Parks Development Committee.

3. The Rizal Shrine 

photo by Jorge Lascar from Wikimedia

The Rizal Shrine, also known as the Museum of Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago is a museum dedicated to the lifework of José Rizal. The museum is located in the building where Rizal spent his final night before his execution in 1896.

Rizal is recognized as one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines. He was a leading figure in the struggle to end Spanish rule in the Philippines.  active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines.

The shrine is home to various memorabilia such as the shells he collected in Dapitan, books, manuscripts, and artwork. In 2014, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines renovated the museum in order to attract a younger audience.

4. San Agustin Church 

Intramuros is known to have played a big role in the early development of religion in the Philippines. There are 12 churches located in this area, including San Agustin, the oldest, and the most famous.

San Agustin Church also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture was constructed in 1606. It sits just five minutes walk from Manila’s main cathedral and its architectural design was inspired by Augustinian temples in Mexico.

The church is a major tourist attraction in Intramuros today. In 1993 it was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

5. Manila Cathedral 

photo by Patrick Roque from Wikimedia

Manila Cathedral is the cathedral of Manila and basilica located in Intramuros. The historic cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the Archbishop of Manila.

The cathedral was officially established in 1571 by a secular priest, Fray Juan de Vivero. It has been renovated and reconstructed several times, with the current structure built from 1954 to 1958.

Manila Cathedral is an iconic landmark in Manila and one of the most visited sites in the Intramorus ancient city. It has also merited a papal endorsement from Pope Gregory XIII and three apostolic visits from Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Francis.

6. Casa Manila Museum

Casa Manila museum is a perfect place to experience the colonial lifestyle during the era of Spanish rule. It was commissioned by former Philippine’s first lady Imelda Marcos in the 1980s.

The museum is an imposing stone-and-wood structure built as a replica of the 1950s San Nicholas house that was once located in Calle Jaboneros. It is located across the historic San Agustin church bounded by Calle Real, General Luna, Cabildo, and Urdaneta streets.

7. Aduana Building

Photo by Ngiping Kidrat from Wikimedia

Aduana is a representation of Spanish colonial structures during their colonial period. It was built in Intramuros in the early part of the 18^th century to attract merchants to remain within its walls rather than outside of it.

The two-story governmental structure follows a Neo-Classical tradition, with an emphasized horizontality and symmetrical form, particularly in the design of its façade.

Aduana building has housed several government offices through the years, and it was acquired by the Philippines National Archives to serve as their future office in 1997.

8. The Bahay Tsinoy Museum

The Bahay Tsinoy is a building in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines which houses the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center.  The museum holds documents related to the lives and contributions of the ethnic Chinese in Philippine history.

The museum was designed by Eva Penamora in collaboration with the late architect Honrado Fernandez in 1996 and was completed and inaugurated in 1999.

It provides a venue for advocating patriotism to the Philippines and promoting cultural identity and understanding between the local Chinese and Filipino communities.

9. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant

Barbara’s heritage restaurant is located in Casa Manila, Plaza San Luis, Intramuros. It has two main banquet halls; the Main Dining Hall is built elegantly using adobe blocks, with a white lime finish, and the Sala Filipina is made up of an 1850 wood structure.

It is known for its cultural music and dance performances and Spanish-inspired lunch which has revolutionized the way Filipinos celebrate their own culture.

THE restaurant is open from 8 am to 9 pm every day, and it offers the best Philippine Culture and Cuisine in Intramuros, Manila.

10. Memorare-Manila 1945 Monument

Photo by Judgefloro from Wikimedia

Memorare-Manila 1945 Monument was erected at the Plaza de Santa Isabel in Intramuros in 1995. It was erected in memory of innocent civilians who were killed during the Battle for the Liberation of Manila from the Japanese occupation during the Second World War.

The Battle for Manila at the end of World War II was one of the most brutal episodes in the history of Asia and the Pacific. Local and foreign tourists visit the site to honor fallen victims of that past war.