Manila Tour 2016 | Intramuros | Fort Santiago | Rizal Park

  Date : August 09, 2016 | Author : Jeric Par Esplana | Travel : Manila City

One of the Intramuros Ruins

History: Intramuros means "within the walls" in Spanish that's why it is also called as the Ciudad Murada or The Walled City. It is said to be the oldest district and historic core of the municipality of Manila, Philippines. The districts beyond the wall were referred as Extramuros, it means "outside the walls" in Spanish. In the late 16th century, the purpose of these defensive walls was to protect the city from foreign invasions. The original structure of Intramuros was heavily damaged by the during the World War II and renovated in 1951 after being declared as National Historical Monument. 

Intramuros is generally located in General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio), the main street and gives tourists easy access to most of major nearby attractions including San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral. Follow this street all the way and you'll find Fort Santiago then go the other way to locate  National Museum and Rizal Park. 

How to get there: [Option 1] The best way is to ride in a railway (LRT 1) then drop off at Central Station /Php 30.00, just walk all the way to Intramuros or ride a taxi / Php 40.00. [Option 2] From Blumentritt, ride a jeepney bound for Pier/Kalaw/Sta.Cruz  then drop off near Intramuros, just tell the driver in advanced / Php 21.00.

Intramuros is heaped in history. This famous tourist spot in Manila is known for its old structures, historical site, museum and the classic source of transportation known as Calesa. It is completely surrounded by massive stone walls that the district its name.

Old Buildings along the streets of Intramuros

San Agustin Church (Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción de María de San Agustín) is a roman catholic church located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila City. It is one of the four (4) Philippine Churches to be designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO (1993).  

It's my first time to see this beautiful church and I was totally amazed by this classic structure of San Agustin. The wall patterns and decorations, the ceiling and the main door were all amazing. There's also a museum beside the church with an entrance fee. 

A closer view of San Agustin Church

The third Augustinian Church

The amazing ceiling of San Agustin Church

Manila Cathedral (Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) is a Roman Catholic Basilica located at Plaza de Roma in the Intramuros District of the City of Manila.  In 1571, the cathedral was originally the "church of Manila".

It's also our first time to see and visit this stunning church of Manila Cathedral. The architectural designs of the church were all amazing and definitely a true masterpiece. The ceiling was excellent, I can't imagine how the artist made it.

Manila Cathedral

Side View of Manila Cathedral

Plazuela de Sta. Isabel was made as part of the Santa Isabel College, it was restored in 1983. The monument was made and dedicated to the non-combatant victims of the last was in the Philippines in February 18, 1995 by Memorare - Manila 1945.

We were on our way to Fort Santiago when we saw this beautiful monument of Plazuela de Sta. Isabel. Unlike the other attractions here in Intramuros, this monument is one of the not so popular destinations and look like a resting area only. I was amazed by the details of this monument especially the emotions, so much pain.

Plazuela de Sta. Isabel

Fort Santiago (Fuerte de Santiago) is a citadel first built by Spanish for the city of Manila. Our very own National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned here before his execution in 1896. In memorabilia of Rizal, his footsteps embedded onto the ground in bronze was made representing his final walk from cell to the location of the execution.

Rizal's Final Walk

Embedded Bronze footprints of Rizal

The Fort is one of the most important historical sites in the city of Manila. The massive stone wall is part of the structures of the walled city. Several lives were lost in its prisons during the Spanish Colonial Period and the second world war. 

Baluarte de San Francisco de de Dilao

Ruins inside Fort Santiago

One of the main attractions here in Fort Santiago are these vintage canyons. It's all original canyons from the part. It was made for the protection of the wall from foreign invasions. Those canyons is located only a few meters away from the entry point of the Fort. 

Vintage Canyon

This main gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manila and major landmark in Fort Santiago. It was not the original structure of the gate due to heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Manila. Some part of the Fort was restored, including the gate with a wooden relief of the patron saint of Spain - Santiago Matamoros (St. James the moor-slayer).

Main Gate of Fort Santiago

It feels great seeing those Tulips inside the Fort Santiago. It's not yet fully bloomed but it's already beautiful that's why I took some shots of it. It made the river majestic in its own way.

On the other side, there's a lot of building that will surely catch your attention. I just loved how those structures reflected in the river.

Tulips

View from Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago isn't only about historical structures, there's a landscape architecture. You'll enjoy walking around and the place is very ideal for picture taking and even for freelance model photography. It's very spacious. 

Rizal Monument

Oval Road

Rizal Shrine is a small museum that contains exhibits related to the life and work of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal.  It is located in Sta. Clara Street, Fort Santiago Manila City. This museum has a lot of memorabilia such as books, manuscripts, artwork and even his dress. 

First Floor

Rizal's Original Document

Rizal's Original Dress

Engraved Mi Ultimo Adios Content

Rizal's Sculpture

Second Level

Visit : Our trip to National Museum - a must see destination in Manila City

Rizal Park (Liwasang Rizal) was our last destination in Manila City - the famous and historical park of the Philippines. It is also known as Luneta Park or simply Luneta. It is located along Roxas Boulevard , few meters away from National Museum. It is considered as one of the major tourist attractions in Manila City. It has been a favorite leisure spot especially during Sunday by many Filipinos.

Rizal Park

credit to Wikimedia.org

Manila Tour will never be completed without group pictures. It's always a good time traveling with your closest friends. Most of us haven't been here before that's why our Manila tour was a memorable one.

Tropang Katol Groufie

@ San Agustin Church

@ Fort Santiago's Main Gate

fgfg

@ Baluarte de Sta. Isabel

 beside the river

@ rooftop

@ Baluarte De Santa Barbara

@ ruins

 beside Manila Golf Area

GFG

on top of the ruins

@ Luneta Park with Torre De Manila (Philippines' photobomber of all time)

Travel | JePar

--Reminder--

As a Travel Blogger, I am sharing all my experiences, guides and the expenses in every trip I have been so that you can also experience this trip to specific place with your friends or family. Be responsible enough by: following the rules and regulations of the place, learn to protect and maintain its genuine beauty, be nice and respectful to local people, observe cleanliness, leave no trace.

--Budget--

Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
[Option 1 Jeep	Novaliches	Blumentritt	Php 21.00	45 mins.
Jeepney	Blumentritt	near Intramuros (by walk)	Php 9.00	20 mins.
[Option 2] LRT 1	Roosebelt Station	Central Station (walk all the way to Luneta)	Php 30.00	20 mins.

Fort Santiago E. Fee	National Museum	Intramuros	Luneta Park
Php 75.00 (regular) Php 50 .00 (student)	FREE	FREE	FREE

ESTIMATED EXPENSES (including foods)

Php 300.00/head