Manila 2nd July 2009 Intramuros

While in Manila, I went to one of their famous place of interest called Intramuros. It was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Its name, in Latin, intramuros, literally "within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress, also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself.

1st stop Fort Santiago. It is a defense fortress built for Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi. It was destroyed by the conquistadors(Martin de Goiti) upon arriving in 1570, encountering several battles with the Islamic natives. The Spaniards destroyed the native settlements and erected the Fuerza de Santiago in 1571.

Entrance Fee is 150Php, guide book can be purchased at 200Php. There are guides within Fort Santiago as well.

2nd stop Manila Cathedral. The cathedral of the Archdiocese of Manila, located within the centuries-old section of Manila called Intramuros, is the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. Having been destroyed several times by natural disasters and fires during its 400-year history, the current structure standing was completed in 1958, the cathedral's sixth incarnation. It is dedicated to Saint Mary under the title "Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception", in her role as patroness of the Philippines.

3rd stop San Agustín Church. It is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. Completed by 1607, it is the oldest church currently standing in the Philippines. No other surviving building in the Philippines has been claimed to pre-date San Agustin Church.

In 1993, San Agustin Church was one of four Philippine churches constructed during during the Spanish colonial period designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, under the classification "Baroque Churches of the Philippines".

It had been named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976. There is a entrance fee of 100Php for visiting San Agustin.

One good way to explore Intramuros is by Calesa, carriage pulled by horse. However, you need to negotiate with them, one guy quoted 200Php, as I was alone on this visit, hence, I chose to be on foot to explore Intramuros.

To reach Intramuros is pretty easy, by LRT, just drop yourself at Central Terminal LRT, you will be within vincity of Intramuros.