Intriguing Intramuros




Intramuros, which literally means "within walls" is a historic walled area within Manila City. It is also near to very important and historical buildings like the Manila City Hall, Post Office, National Museum and Colleges. 

 I always see Intramuros in a different way. The brick stone roads, the old churches, old buildings - that smell of history in every corner. Walking to Intramuros is like Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra coming to life. It's history frozen in time.

When commuting to Intramuros from anywhere in the Metro, just find your way to the Manila Post Office then ride a jeep going to the Pier. Drop off at the Manila Cathedral and you can start your way exploring Intramuros.

๐Ÿ“ Manila Cathedral




Manila Cathedral with parked Bambikes.








Many couples wed here and usually you'll spot a bride when you visit the church especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

๐Ÿ“ Ayuntamiento De Manila

This was the seat of the Manila City Council, which consisted of two alcaldes (city leaders), eight oidores (judges), a clerk, and a chief constable.[2] Destroyed in World War II and reconstructed thereafter, the building now houses the offices of the Bureau of the Treasury.




๐Ÿ“ Palacio Del Gobernador

The site of the present building was where the former residence of the Governor-General during the Spanish Colonial Era was located until an earthquake destroyed it on June 3, 1863. The Malacaรฑang Palace then became the Governor-General's official residence.

At present, the building houses the Intramuros Administration, the Commission on Elections and the Home Development Mutual Fund National Capital Region Office. It also previously housed the Bureau of the Treasury until it relocated across Plaza de Roma to the Ayuntamiento de Manila.




๐Ÿ“ Plaza De Sta. Isabel / Memorare Manila 1945 Monument

The monument commemorates the lives lost during the battle for the liberation of Manila, waged by Filipino and American forces against Imperial Japanese troops from February 3, 1945, to March 3, 1945.

Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, 658 Zone 70, Manila



๐Ÿ“ Baluarte de San Diego

Baluarte is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros. This was destroyed in the Battle of Manila in 1945, resstoration began in 1979  and was completed in 1992. 


    Address: Sta. Lucia St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
    Hours of Operation : Mon-Sun 8am - 5pm
    Entrance Fee: 75 Pesos


My winning photo (10th Place) in the Intramuros Balik Tanaw sa Kasaysayan Smartphone Contest

Baluarte en blanco y negro
We are never defined by just the blacks or whites of our past; we are the combination of both our triumphs and failures, penciled by the crevices of our roots. 


                                                Glimpse of the Past and the Present
The contrasting view of Baluarte over the urban Manila nightscape reminds us how the past still entertwines our present- who we were, who we are and who we will be.

Baluarte at night. Pic taken during the Intramuros Open house. 

๐Ÿ“ Intramuros Golf Course


๐Ÿ“ Silahis Center
 
This is the main showroom of the  Silahis Arts and Artifacts. They are engaged in designing, producing, wholesaling, retailing and exporting the finest of handmade Philippine products.This a great place to go shopping for locally-made products. It is also one of the best places to visit to look around and learn about the local culture. 

Address: 744 Gen Luna St Intramuros, 658 Zone 70, Manila, 1002
Hours of Operation : Mon-Sun 10AM-7PM
Entrance Fee: FREE


๐Ÿ“ Casa Manila 

Casa Manila is a museum in Intramuros depicting colonial lifestyle during Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The musem has 3 floors full of antiques. No taking of pictures allowed inside, but the guide allowed me one during the Intramuros Open House.

Address: Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Hours of Operation : Tues-Sun 9am-6pm
Entrance Fee: 75 Pesos



The garden at Casa Manila. This is one of the fave spot for prenups and predebut shoots.



 
                                              Straight ahead is the San Agustin Church.

Isn't this cute?

๐Ÿ“ San Agustin Museum

The museum is housed in the Augustinians' former monastery, right beside the famed San Agustin Church. The display rooms are huge and some artifacts were found right at the ground of the area. 

Address: General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Hours of Operation : 8am-11.30am & 1-5pm
Entrance Fee: 200 Pesos (Adults) , 160 Pesos (Senior, Students and Kids)





๐Ÿ“ La Cathedral Cafe

Address: 398 Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Hour of Operation : Mon-Sun 8am-10pm


After the day strolling the Intramuros, head to La Cathedral Cafe for your dinner. Place is packed at night, so bring your patience with you especially on weekends. 


View of Manila Cathedral from the La Cathedral Cafe.

๐Ÿ“ Aduana Building

Address: Magallanes Dr, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila


๐Ÿ“ Plaza de Espaรฑa

It is a triangular "square" which features a monument to King Philip II of Spain after whom the Philippines was named. 

Address: Andrรฉs Soriano Avenue, Muralla and Solana Streets, Intramuros
Manila, Philippines



๐Ÿ“ Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is one of the main attractions in the walled city of Intramuros. It is a citadel built by Spanish navigator and governor Miguel Lรณpez de Legazpi for the new established city of Manila in the Philippines. 

This is also where Dr. Jose Rizal, one of our national heroes was imprisoned before his execution.

Address: General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Hours of Operation : Mon- Sun 8am-9pm 
Entrance Fee: 75 Pesos (Adults) , 50 Pesos (Senior, Students and Kids)

Fort Santiago at Night

The walls amidst Urban development. 







Depiction of Rizal's footsteps from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan (now called Rizal Park)







Getting lost in Intramuros is full of surprises. We made a wrong turn once and saw this building with Tomb Raider Feels.



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