The historical Walled City of Intramuros is considered as one of the most favored tourist spots in Manila, Philippines. Visit this iconic place and explore a slew of interesting landmarks that define the city's culture and heritage.
Planning for a unique city adventure where you can enjoy a historical tour? Book an accommodation at The Bayleaf Intramuros and get ready for a fun and educational tour in one of the Philippine capital's top destination – the Walled City of Intramuros. Both local and foreign visitors regarded this as one of the most favorable places to visit in the metro. It is not surprising because it is home to an array of heritage sites that present an enriching experience. Among the top 5 tourist attractions in Intramuros are:
1. Fort Santiago
Considered as Intramuros' most popular tourist spot, Fort Santiago is a historic citadel built by the Spanish conquistadors. It was the former military headquarters of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi's troupe where Jose Rizal (Philippine national hero) was imprisoned before his execution. Fort Santiago features an iconic gate with a wooden relief of Santiago Matamoros, the patron saint of Spain. The fortress also houses the Rizal Shrine, a museum in one of the fort's barracks that presents his life and works.
2. Plaza de Roma
Plaza de Roma is known as the plaza mayor (main public square) in Intramuros. Situated at the heart of the Walled City, it is surrounded by 3 significant landmarks: the Palacio del Gobernador to the west, Casas Consistorales (Ayuntamiento de Manila) to the east, and Manila Cathedral to the south. The primary attraction in this place is the monument of King Carlos IV of Spain, which stands at the center of the plaza. Erected in 1824, this bust serves as a tribute for his noble act of sending the first set of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines.
3. Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral is an outstanding Roman Catholic basilica that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Built in 1581, this majestic edifice has been reconstructed several times. The eighth and most current Neo-Romanesque iteration of the cathedral was completed in 1958. For those who are interested with the church's history, a small exhibit is placed in one of the side chapels near the cathedral's entrance. This picturesque sanctuary, which serves as the highest seat of the country's archbishop, lies near Bayleaf Manila hotel.
4. San Agustin Church
Regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the country, San Agustin Church is famed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from its impressive interiors that reflect the traditional Spanish-Latin American architecture, this church also boasts its rich political influence. During the colonial times, it served as a fortress that has been subjected to attacks by local revolts. Today, it shelters a depository that exhibits sacred vessels, ecclesiastical robes, religious art and manuscripts, and other valuable cultural artifacts. In 1976, San Agustin Church was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government.
5. Casa Manila
Set across the historic San Agustin Church, Casa Manila is one of the grand houses built in Intramuros during the Spanish occupation. It epitomizes the house of an ilustrado (a rich Filipino) in the late 19th century. This 3-story abode is a replica of the house of a Binondo merchant named Don Severino Mendoza. Presenting an affluent blend of European and Chinese furniture and decor, this building stands today as a museum of the bygone era’s architecture and lifestyle. To complete your Walled City holiday tour, make sure to drop by at Casa Manila during your vacation at The Bayleaf Intramuros.
Travel tip: Check out The Bayleaf Hotel promos for more affordable stay.
Showing posts with label The Bayleaf Intramuros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Bayleaf Intramuros. Show all posts
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 24, 2016
READ: A Quick Rundown of 5 of Intramuros' Many Churches
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Before becoming a tourist spot with several museums, restaurants, and establishments offering Manila accommodation, Intramuros was once known as the City of Churches. And it is not surprising, as the colonial-era fortress city once had 7 churches. Here are 5 of the 7 churches and their history.
1. San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the oldest surviving church in the Philippines. First completed in 1607, the church has withstood numerous earthquakes and the bombardment of Manila in World War II that destroyed the 7 other churches inside the walled city. Many notable persons are also interred here, such as the remains of Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Filipino painter Juan Luna. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the 4 Baroque Churches of the Philippines, which boasts of well-decorated interiors with an ornate trompe-l'oeil ceiling.
2. Manila Cathedral
Built in 1571 as the Church of Manila, it was destroyed and rebuilt seven times throughout its history, with the present-day cathedral constructed finished only in 1958. Despite modern touches to its interior, the present design of the Manila Cathedral is faithful to its original form. It still features the only part of the original cathedral that survived the bombing of Manila in World War II — a facade made of Roman travertine stone. With a Latin-cross plan and floors made of Italian marble, the 3,000-square-foot cathedral is accented by Byzantine motifs and pineapple finials.
3. San Ignacio Church
Originally built in 1632, the San Ignacio Church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1852 and rebuilt in 1888. However, it was never rebuilt again after the Japanese burned it down in 1945, during World War II. All that's left of the building are ruins, which are presently found next to the campus of the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), a state-run university.
4. Lourdes Church and Convent
Constructed in 1892, it was the first home of the Capuchin friars in the Philippines before it was destroyed in World War II. Today, the remains of the structure have been incorporated into the El Amanecer building, which houses several commercial establishments like gift shops and Ilustrado, a fine-dining restaurant popular with guests booked at the best Manila accommodation.
5. San Francisco Church and Third Venerable Order Chapel
Managed by the Franciscans, the original San Francisco Church was built in 1602 but was heavily damaged in the 1645 earthquake. It was then rebuilt from 1739 to 1750, but like the Lourdes and San Ignacio Churches, it was destroyed during World War II. The church was destroyed along with the Third Venerable Order Chapel beside it, which was built in 1618. The site of the San Francisco Church is now the campus of the Mapua Institute of Technology, with the school's own chapel standing on the former site of the Third Venerable Order Chapel. It is located on Muralla Street, near The Bayleaf Hotel, which offers elegant and affordable Manila accommodations.
1. San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the oldest surviving church in the Philippines. First completed in 1607, the church has withstood numerous earthquakes and the bombardment of Manila in World War II that destroyed the 7 other churches inside the walled city. Many notable persons are also interred here, such as the remains of Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Filipino painter Juan Luna. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the 4 Baroque Churches of the Philippines, which boasts of well-decorated interiors with an ornate trompe-l'oeil ceiling.
2. Manila Cathedral
Built in 1571 as the Church of Manila, it was destroyed and rebuilt seven times throughout its history, with the present-day cathedral constructed finished only in 1958. Despite modern touches to its interior, the present design of the Manila Cathedral is faithful to its original form. It still features the only part of the original cathedral that survived the bombing of Manila in World War II — a facade made of Roman travertine stone. With a Latin-cross plan and floors made of Italian marble, the 3,000-square-foot cathedral is accented by Byzantine motifs and pineapple finials.
3. San Ignacio Church
Originally built in 1632, the San Ignacio Church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1852 and rebuilt in 1888. However, it was never rebuilt again after the Japanese burned it down in 1945, during World War II. All that's left of the building are ruins, which are presently found next to the campus of the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), a state-run university.
4. Lourdes Church and Convent
Constructed in 1892, it was the first home of the Capuchin friars in the Philippines before it was destroyed in World War II. Today, the remains of the structure have been incorporated into the El Amanecer building, which houses several commercial establishments like gift shops and Ilustrado, a fine-dining restaurant popular with guests booked at the best Manila accommodation.
5. San Francisco Church and Third Venerable Order Chapel
Managed by the Franciscans, the original San Francisco Church was built in 1602 but was heavily damaged in the 1645 earthquake. It was then rebuilt from 1739 to 1750, but like the Lourdes and San Ignacio Churches, it was destroyed during World War II. The church was destroyed along with the Third Venerable Order Chapel beside it, which was built in 1618. The site of the San Francisco Church is now the campus of the Mapua Institute of Technology, with the school's own chapel standing on the former site of the Third Venerable Order Chapel. It is located on Muralla Street, near The Bayleaf Hotel, which offers elegant and affordable Manila accommodations.
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