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Intramuros, Manila
Intramuros
The Historic Walled City of Manila
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EXPLORE Intramuros

PUBLISHED February 12, 2007

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

  • Intramuros, Manila
The historical significance of Intramuros and its landmarks, such as Fort Santiago and the Fortifications of Manila, is deeply rooted in the Philippines’ rich heritage, symbolizing resilience through periods of political, economic, and wartime challenges.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Intramuros with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Intramuros. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled district, spans approximately 0.67 square kilometers and was once regarded as the entire city during the Spanish colonial era. The strategic location along the bay and at the mouth of the Pasig River made Manila an ideal trading hub for the Tagalog tribes and kingdoms, facilitating commerce with merchants from present-day China, India, Borneo, and Indonesia. The prehistoric polity of Maynila occupied the area where Intramuros would later be established.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

ABOVE: Baluarte San Diego, built between 1586 and 1592, is a historic bastion in Intramuros with a round shape designed for defense, preserved through several restorations.

ABOVE: Baluarte San Diego, built between 1586 and 1592, is a historic bastion in Intramuros with a round shape designed for defense, preserved through several restorations.

Spanish Colonial Era

In 1564, Spanish explorers led by Miguel López de Legazpi set sail from New Spain (now Mexico) and arrived in Cebu on February 13, 1565, marking the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. After learning about the rich resources in Maynila, Legazpi sent his lieutenants Martín de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo to explore Luzon. By 1570, after conflicts with Muslim natives, the Spaniards reached an agreement with local leaders Rajah Sulaiman III, Lakan Dula, and Rajah Matanda, who ceded the city to them.

 

Legazpi declared Manila the capital of the Spanish colony on June 24, 1571, due to its strategic location and resources. King Philip II of Spain awarded the city a coat of arms and the title Ciudad Insigne y Siempre Leal, making it the political, military, and religious center of the Spanish Empire in Asia.

ABOVE: Casa Manila in Intramuros offers a captivating glimpse into 19th-century Filipino life with its restored Spanish colonial decor and historical artifacts.

ABOVE: Casa Manila in Intramuros offers a captivating glimpse into 19th-century Filipino life with its restored Spanish colonial decor and historical artifacts.

Fortifications and Architecture

Manila faced constant threats from natural disasters and invasions. In 1574, Chinese pirate Limahong attacked and destroyed much of the city, leading to a reconstruction effort. This prompted the construction of defensive walls, which began under Governor-General Santiago de Vera. The fortifications were designed by Jesuit Priest Antonio Sedeno and Spanish military engineer Leonardo Iturriano, with construction carried out by Chinese and Filipino workers. The walls and fortifications were expanded and improved over the centuries, with significant work completed by the 19th century.

Key Landmarks

The main square of Intramuros was Plaza Mayor, later known as Plaza McKinley and then Plaza de Roma, situated in front of the Manila Cathedral. To the east of this main square stood the Ayuntamiento (City Hall), and opposite it was the Palacio del Gobernador, the residence of the Spanish viceroyalties. A devastating earthquake on June 3, 1863, destroyed these key buildings along with much of the city. Following the disaster, the Governor-General’s residence was relocated to Malacañang Palace, situated about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) upstream on the Pasig River. Although the Ayuntamiento and Palacio del Gobernador were rebuilt, the Governor’s Palace was not.

 

Intramuros was also renowned for its numerous Roman Catholic churches, earning the nickname “City of Churches.” The oldest of these is San Agustin Church, built by the Augustinians in 1607. Other significant churches include San Nicolas de Tolentino Church (Recollects), San Francisco Church (Franciscans), Third Venerable Order Church (Third Order of St. Francis), Santo Domingo Church (Dominicans), Lourdes Church (Capuchins), and San Ignacio Church (Jesuits).

Manila Cathedral

The religious orders that established these churches also founded convents and educational institutions within Intramuros. The Dominicans established the Universidad de Santo Tomás in 1611 and the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán in 1620. The Jesuits founded the Universidad de San Ignacio in 1590, the first university in the Philippines, although it closed in 1768 following their expulsion. After their return, the Jesuits established the Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1859. During the early colonial period, Intramuros was home to about 1,200 Spanish families, with 600 residing within the walls and another 600 in the surrounding suburbs.

American Rule

Following the Spanish–American War, Spain ceded the Philippines and several other territories to the United States under the Treaty of Paris, with the U.S. paying $20 million. On August 13, 1898, the American flag was raised at Fort Santiago, marking the beginning of American rule in Manila. The Ayuntamiento became the headquarters of the Philippine Commission of the United States in 1901, while Fort Santiago served as the headquarters of the Philippine Division of the U.S. Army.

The American administration implemented significant changes in Manila. In 1903, they removed the walls between the Santo Domingo Gate and the Almacenes Gate to enhance the wharf on the southern bank of the Pasig River. The double moats surrounding Intramuros were deemed unsanitary and were filled with mud from Manila Bay, where the current Port of Manila now stands. These moats were subsequently transformed into a municipal golf course.

 

In 1936, Commonwealth Act No. 171 mandated that all future constructions within Intramuros adhere to Spanish colonial architectural styles, aiming to preserve the district’s historic character.

World War II and Aftermath

The district suffered significant damage during World War II. In December 1941, the Imperial Japanese Army invaded the Philippines, destroying Santo Domingo Church and the original University of Santo Tomas campus.

 

The battle for Manila’s liberation began in January 1945 when American forces, along with Filipino troops from the United States Army and Philippine Commonwealth Army, engaged in intense urban combat against approximately 30,000 Japanese defenders. The battle, marked by heavy fighting and the Manila massacre perpetrated by Japanese troops, led to extensive damage to the city.

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As the battle progressed, the Japanese forces were driven back into Intramuros. Despite General Douglas MacArthur’s reservations about bombing the historic district, heavy shelling was approved, resulting in the deaths of over 16,665 Japanese soldiers within Intramuros. By the end of World War II, Intramuros was left in ruins, with only the damaged San Agustin Church surviving amidst the devastation.

Post-War Restoration and Preservation Efforts

In 1951, Intramuros was designated a historical monument, and Fort Santiago was declared a national shrine. This designation marked the beginning of efforts to restore, reconstruct, and implement urban planning within the district. Intramuros’ stone walls are irregularly shaped, designed to follow the contours of Manila Bay and the winding Pasig River. The Muralla, or defensive walls, originally enclosed an area of 64 hectares (160 acres), featuring stones up to 8 feet (2.4 m) thick and walls reaching heights of 22 feet (6.7 m). The walls stretched approximately 3 to 5 kilometers in length, and the perimeter was surrounded by an inner moat (foso) and an outer moat (contrafoso) along the city-facing sides.

Legacy of Religious and Political Significance

During the colonial period, Intramuros was the center of religious and political power, housing eight grand churches built by various religious orders. Unfortunately, all but one of these churches were destroyed during the Battle of Manila in World War II. The only surviving structure was San Agustin Church, the oldest existing building in Manila, completed in 1607. Following the war, the Manila Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, was reconstructed in 1958.

 

The other religious orders relocated and rebuilt their churches outside Intramuros after the war. The Dominicans reconstructed Santo Domingo Church along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. The Augustinian Recollects moved to their existing church, San Sebastian Basilica, located 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) northeast of the walled city. In 1951, the Capuchins relocated Lourdes Church to the corner of Kanlaon Street and Retiro Street (now Amoranto Avenue) in Quezon City, which was later declared a National Shrine in 1997. Other orders, such as the Order of Saint John of God and the Order of Poor Clares, established new locations in Roxas and along Aurora Boulevard, respectively. The San Ignacio Church and Convent are currently undergoing reconstruction to serve as Museo de Intramuros, an ecclesiastical museum dedicated to preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of the district.

Preservation of Heritage and Modern Use

Today, Intramuros stands as the only district in Manila where the influences of the Spanish colonial era are still prominently visible. Fort Santiago has been transformed into a well-maintained park and remains a popular destination for tourists. Although there has been limited commercialization within the district, some fast-food establishments have opened to cater to the student population. Additionally, several shipping companies have set up offices in the area. To attract both local and foreign visitors, Intramuros regularly hosts concerts, guided tours, and exhibitions.

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LOCATIONS
PROVINCES

Abra

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Batangas

Benguet

Bulacan

Cagayan

Cavite

Cebu

Guimaras

Iloilo

Isabela

Laguna

Manila

Mindanao

Nueva Viscaya

Pampanga

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Quezon

Rizal

Samar

Tarlac

Zambales

ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE

Andres Bonifacio Birthplace Monument

Bonifacio Monumento

Capones Lighthouse

Casa Manila

Corregidor Island

Cultural Center of the Philippines

Fantasy World

Gabriela Silang Memorial Shrine

Gomburza National Monument

Hondagua

Iloilo Customs House

Intramuros

Jones Bridge

La Loma Cemetery

Liwasang Bonifacio

Luneta Hotel

Malagonlong Bridge

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Manila Post Office

The National Museum of Fine Arts

National Museum of Natural History

Padre Blanco Gardens

Pinto Art Museum

Plaza Miranda

Quezon Memorial Circle

Rizal Park

San Agustin Museum

Santa Cruz

Subic Lighthouse

The Iconic Manila City Hall

The Lighthouse Marina Resort

The National Museum of Anthropology

The Philippine International Convention Center

Tutuban Center

University of Santo Tomas

University of the Philippines Diliman

Venice Grand Canal

Zapote Bridge

CHURCHES
FAITH

Barasoain Church

Binondo Church

Calaca Church

Calumpit Church

Feast of La Naval de Manila

Lingayen Cathedral

Malate Church

Manila Abbey

Manila Cathedral

Meycauayan Church

Morong Church

Mount Carmel Shrine

Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine

Padre Pio Chapel

Polo Church

San Agustin Church

San Sebastian Church

Santuario del Sto. Cristo Church

Simborio Chapel

Taal Basilica

Taguig Simborio

Tanauan Church

Feast of the Black Nazarene

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

Alligator Lake

Ambuklao Dam

Avilon Zoo

Balayan Bay

Baluarte de San Diego

Binondo Chinatown

Callao Cave

Camara Island

Capones Island

Carriedo Fountain

CCLEX Beyond the Bridge

Chong Hock Tong Temple

Enchanted Kingdom

Fort San Pedro

Guadalupe Church Ruins

Gunao Lake

Intramuros Golf Club

Kabayan, Benguet

La Mesa Ecopark

Lamon Bay

Lingayen Beach

Lucban Church

Lucban Longganisa

Magat River

Manila Bay

The Manila Golden Mosque

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Zoo

March with the Senturyons

Mines View Park

Moriones Festival

Mount Malasimbo

Mount Pulag

Mount Samat National Shrine

Nasugbu, Batangas

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Osmeña Peak

Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine at Fort Santiago

Pabasa ng Pasyon

Paco Park

Pamatawan River

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Plaza Rajah Sulayman

Pulong Pasig

Pundaquit and San Miguel

Quezon Bridge

Quezon Zigzag Road

Quiapo Church

San Juan – Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine

San Narciso Beach

San Narciso Port

Santa Ana de Taguig Church

Santa Cruz Church

Seng Guan Temple

Siain Port

Siglo Modern Filipino

Sirena ng Atimonan

St. Joseph Church and the World-Famous Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

Star City, Pasay

Subic Bay

Subic Spanish Gate

Taal Lake

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape

Tagaytay City

Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

The UP Oblation

Tingloy Island

Tondol Beach

UST Santísimo Rosario Parish

Zamboanga City Hall

Zoobic Safari

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS

Ana Kalang Festival

Antipolo Church

Balacat Festival

Balitok Ti Alicia Festival

Bañamos Festival

Bato Art Festival

Boling-Boling Festival

Buhayani Festival

Burdang Lumban Festival

Candle Festival

Dinagyang Festival

Embracing the Vibrant Timpuyog Festival

Guilingan Festival

Halamanan Festival

Hambujan Festival

Inaul Festival

Itik Festival

Kalivungan Festival

Kesong Puti Festival

Laguna Lake

Lucban Pahiyas Festival

Manaragat Festival

Manggahan Festival

Meguyaya Festival

Panagbenga Festival

Pawikan Festival

Pinya Festival

Sagayan Festival

Sakuting Festival

Sambalilo Festival

Sambuokan Festival

Sigpawan Festival

Sinulog Festival

Tayo na sa Antipolo Maytime Festival

The Vibrant Street Dance of Lucban Pahiyas Festival

Three Kings Festival

Turumba Festival

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All photographs that appear on the site are copyright of Mariano Sayno ©2022 Beauty of the philippines

All photographs that appear on the site are copyright of Mariano Sayno ©2022 Beauty of the philippines.com

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BROWSE BY PROVINCE

Abra

Bataan

Batangas

Benguet

Bulacan

Cagayan

corregidor-island

Cavite

Cebu

Guimaras

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Iloilo

Isabela

Laguna

Manila Bay by Mariano Sayno

Manila

Mindanao

Magat River Dupax Del Norte

Nueva Viscaya

Pampanga

Lingayen Cathedral

Pangasinan

Quezon

Rizal

Samar

Tarlac

Zambales

Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines