Written by Joaquin Carlos Francisco
Intramuros! The old Manila. The original Manila. The Noble and Ever Loyal City...
Intramuros (Latin for "inside the walls") is the 0.67-square-kilometer (0.26 sq mi) historic walled area within the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is administered by the Intramuros Administration with the help of the city government of Manila. Intramuros plays an important part to our country's history and it is one of the popular destinations for a visitor to our hometown. It is the oldest district and is called the Walled City. Historically, it is the seat of the Spanish government when they colonized the Philippines.
Importance of Intramuros in Filipino heritage
Intramuros plays an important part to our country's history and it is one of the popular destinations for a visitor to our hometown. It is the oldest district and is called the Walled City. Historically, it is the seat of the Spanish government when they colonized the Philippines. Intramuros served as the center of the Spanish occupation, originally built to be the residence for Spanish government officials and their families. It was where the most influential and wealthy citizens of colonial Manila lived.
Why is Intramuros the heart of Manila?
Even until now, beautiful old buildings from Spanish era still can be seen throughout the city. However the heart of the Spanish Manila is at Intramuros (literally means “within the walls”) which is an area fortified by walls and considered as Manila itself during the Spanish era. Since Intramuros is in the heart of the bustling city of Manila, land transportation is the most convenient means of getting there. But if you'll be coming from locations outside Metro Manila or another country, don't fret, it is still very accessible thanks to its proximity to airports and terminals.
Fort Santiago
Manila Cathedral
Casa Manila
Why is it made and why is it special?
The Spanish began building Intramuros in 1521 on 0.67 square kilometers of land strategically chosen between Manila Bay and the Pasig River. It was designed as a tight grid to keep its streets functional but contained. Its purpose? To be the Spaniard's political and military base in Asia. Fort Santiago Intramuros is the oldest Hispanic stone fortress in the Philippines, making it a notable Intramuros tourist spot. There are kalesa or carriages, old dungeons, an old theater, and gardens surrounding Fort Santiago Intramuros to keep your eyes and ears busy as you take in all the history.