THE "WALLED CITY"

You don’t need to sail away to China to see the grandiose Great Wall. Not far from where we all live, there is a district of historic attractions. It is in the very heart of the Pearl of the Orient situated within the Pasig River and in close proximity to the Manila Bay. History and mystery are built into the two and three-quarter miles of walls that surround the old capital of the Philippines.
Just an hour of stomach-turning ride can make your travel worthwhile. With few pennies in your pocket, you could tour around the heart of Manila for just a day.

If you want to see well-maintained park where visitors can enjoy the nostalgic legacy of the bygone Spanish Colonial Era within its gardens, Intramuros is the perfect place to be, to be there where the heavens opened and hell broke loose. To watch great lives, small lives, dirty lives, fascinating lives, beautiful lives, incredible lives rise and fall, bloom, break into a thousand pieces or become whole again.

It is necessary to tell the story of the Spanish city in the heart of a foreign country. The Walled City was built about five hundred years ago, enclosed by thick high walls with moats and fortresses. Through the leadership of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the oldest city and historic core of Manila had been established, founding the Spanish Cultural Heritage in the Philippines. Intramuros suffered devastation as time goes by. It has been reconstructed many times before the government declared it as historical monument in 1951. The district was declared as a historical monument and Fort Santiago, a national shrine with Republic Act 597, with the policy of restoring, reconstructing, and urban planning of Intramuros. Several laws and decrees also followed but results were deemed unsatisfactory due to limited funds.
It is the only district of Manila where old Spanish-era influences are still plentiful. Newer buildings are built in the style of the era. As in the Spanish Colonial period, Intramuros still houses some of the higher education institutions in the Philippines. One of the great things to look forward to during the travel is seeing and discovering the city of Manila.


The Manila City hall, located just outside the walled city is one of the distinct landmarks in the capital of the city. With its hexagonal tower with three red-faced clock on three of its facets, received unfavorable reviews in its initial years because of its sober architectural design, lack of entrances and the placement of the clock tower. The building's floor plan had been dismissed as similar in shape to a coffin or, in the other end, like the shield of Knights Templar. This building is also known for being haunted by spirits than what human can imagine. But these stories remain fictitious especially when critics praise the design of the said hall. It is located in the center of tourism area where major government buildings and landmarks, are located.

At night, the tower is illuminated with its details highlighted by beautiful lighting. Every hour, the bell is rung three times followed by a melody. It is recognized as the largest clock tower in the Philippines.

The post office building was built in neoclassical architecture in 1926. It was severely damaged in World War II, and rebuilt in 1946 preserving most of its original design.
It will take you fifty steps approximately from the unique-styled post office building to the walled city. If you have spent all day striding around Intramuros and your feet are tired, not so far from it is the Luneta Park. The park has been a favorite spot for unwinding, socializing, an urban oasis for family picnics on Sundays and holidays. It is one of the major tourist attractions of Manila.

The city at the time boasted hospitals, military barracks, schools, churches, domestic accommodation and a Governor's Palace. Some of these buildings over the years were preserved as ancient artifacts.
Today, Intramuros is a tourist hub that attracts scores of people from all walks of life. The district however is the only area in Manila that is influenced by the Spanish. Alongside the walls of Intramuros is where modernized constructions took place.