Intramuros is the oldest district in Manila. It is nicknamed the “Walled City” which means “within the walls.” It was a fortified city during the Spanish Colonial Period to protect against any invasion. It is located then along Manila Bay and south of the mouth of Pasig River.
Intramuros Brief History
Before the Spaniards came, the site of Intramuros was settled by a large group of Muslims ruled by Rajahs,Sultan, and Datus. The location of Intramuros was the center of trading with other nations who had come from India,China,Indonesia and other neighboring countries.
In 1570, the Spaniards arrived in Manila. However, they were met by Muslims resistance who controlled Manila. War erupted between two groups . After several months of warfare, the natives were defeated and the Spaniards made a peace pact with the Muslims. In return, the Muslim tribal councils handed over Manila to the Spaniards.
In 1606, Intramuros became the center of of religious,political,and military power of the Spaniards. Churches,schools,convents were established.
Intramuros also became the seat of Spanish power. The Governor’s Palace was built inside Intramuros but it was moved to Malacanang Palace after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1863.
On August 13,1898, the American Flag was raised in Fort Santiago indicating the beginning of American rule and the end of Spanish rule. Fort Santiago became the headquarters from the Philippine Division of the United States Army. In 1904, there were some changes in the walls of Intramuros. Some walls were removed from the old Santo Domingo gate due to the widening on the Southern bank of the Pasig River.
When the Japanese Imperial Army invaded the Philippines in 1942, Intramuros became the headquarters of the Japanese Army. In 1945, an intense combat between the American,Filipino soldiers against the Japanese Army occurred. Intramuros was totally destroyed because of heavy bombing and only San Agustin church in Intramuros survived.
Present Day Intramuros
Intramuros had some changes during the administration of First Lady Imelda Marcos. The walls were restored and the original gates have been rebuilt. At present, you will see lots of changes in Intramuros. One of the most visited place in Intramuros is Fort Santiago.
Below are Intramuros tourist attractions:
Fort Santiago
Bahay Tsinoy
Casa Manila
Manila Cathedral
San Agustin Church
Palacio del Gobernador
Intramuros Monuments and Plazas
Plaza de Roma
Plaza Santo Tomas
Isabell II
Plaza Espana
Plaza Mexico
How to visit Intramuros?
By train
The nearest railway station is Central Terminal (LRT-1 / Yellow Line) .Though within sight of the eastern walls, the station is a pretty long walk from the western part of Intramuros (where many of the major sights are located), so tourists headed in that direction might consider covering the rest of the journey by taxi.
By water bus
The Pasig River Ferry [3] stops at Plaza México station, not far from the ruins of the Intendencia (Aduana) building.
Here is a guide of Intramuros Map.
Where to eat and drink?
Greenwich, Ground Floor, FEM II Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271682 / +632-5220331. Fast-food-style pizza and pasta.
Jollibee, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla, ☎ +632-5270489 / +632-5270505, [22]. M-F 6AM-8:30PM, 7AM-7PM weekends. Typical fast-food joint: burgers, fries, fried chicken and so on.
Bistro Marinero, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Santa Potenciana (near San Agustín), ☎+632-5272261 / +632-5278461 loc. 367 or 373 (casa.marinero@nykfil.com.ph, fax: +632-5272234 / +632-5272264), The menu features a mix of Western and local dishes. Special "payday" buffets, combo meals, etc.
Coco Bango Cafe and Restaurant, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Urdaneta (attached to the White Knight Hotel), ☎ +632-5266181. Offers Asian and Western fare.
Max's Restaurant, 283 Cabildo, ☎ +632-5270532 to 33 (fax: +632-5270533) Part of a nationwide chain of popular family restaurants, Max's specializes in fried chicken (not the cheap fast-food variety!) and other Filipino favorites.
Ilustrado, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (within the El Amanecer compound, a few blocks down the street from San Agustín), ☎ +632-5273674 (reservations@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph). Mainly Filipino-Spanish cuisine: rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), paella, and other traditional dishes. Fine dining in the heart of the walled city.
Intramuros Brief History
Before the Spaniards came, the site of Intramuros was settled by a large group of Muslims ruled by Rajahs,Sultan, and Datus. The location of Intramuros was the center of trading with other nations who had come from India,China,Indonesia and other neighboring countries.
In 1570, the Spaniards arrived in Manila. However, they were met by Muslims resistance who controlled Manila. War erupted between two groups . After several months of warfare, the natives were defeated and the Spaniards made a peace pact with the Muslims. In return, the Muslim tribal councils handed over Manila to the Spaniards.
In 1606, Intramuros became the center of of religious,political,and military power of the Spaniards. Churches,schools,convents were established.
Intramuros also became the seat of Spanish power. The Governor’s Palace was built inside Intramuros but it was moved to Malacanang Palace after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1863.
On August 13,1898, the American Flag was raised in Fort Santiago indicating the beginning of American rule and the end of Spanish rule. Fort Santiago became the headquarters from the Philippine Division of the United States Army. In 1904, there were some changes in the walls of Intramuros. Some walls were removed from the old Santo Domingo gate due to the widening on the Southern bank of the Pasig River.
When the Japanese Imperial Army invaded the Philippines in 1942, Intramuros became the headquarters of the Japanese Army. In 1945, an intense combat between the American,Filipino soldiers against the Japanese Army occurred. Intramuros was totally destroyed because of heavy bombing and only San Agustin church in Intramuros survived.
Present Day Intramuros
Intramuros had some changes during the administration of First Lady Imelda Marcos. The walls were restored and the original gates have been rebuilt. At present, you will see lots of changes in Intramuros. One of the most visited place in Intramuros is Fort Santiago.
Below are Intramuros tourist attractions:
Fort Santiago
Bahay Tsinoy
Casa Manila
Manila Cathedral
San Agustin Church
Palacio del Gobernador
Intramuros Monuments and Plazas
Plaza de Roma
Plaza Santo Tomas
Isabell II
Plaza Espana
Plaza Mexico
How to visit Intramuros?
By taxi
This is the easiest way to reach Intramuros. Every taxi driver knows this place.By train
The nearest railway station is Central Terminal (LRT-1 / Yellow Line) .Though within sight of the eastern walls, the station is a pretty long walk from the western part of Intramuros (where many of the major sights are located), so tourists headed in that direction might consider covering the rest of the journey by taxi.
By water bus
The Pasig River Ferry [3] stops at Plaza México station, not far from the ruins of the Intendencia (Aduana) building.
Here is a guide of Intramuros Map.
Where to eat and drink?
Budget
Chowking, FEM I Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271339 / +632-5272903, 7 AM to 10 PM. Chinese dishes with a Filipino twist. Branch store of a major fast-food chain.Greenwich, Ground Floor, FEM II Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271682 / +632-5220331. Fast-food-style pizza and pasta.
Jollibee, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla, ☎ +632-5270489 / +632-5270505, [22]. M-F 6AM-8:30PM, 7AM-7PM weekends. Typical fast-food joint: burgers, fries, fried chicken and so on.
Mid-range
Andria's Taste, Chamber 8, Puerta Isabel II, Muralla (in front of the Letran dormitory), ☎ +632-5366427(andriastaste@gmail.com), Serves an assortment of popular dishes, including roast chicken and chicken sisig.Bistro Marinero, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Santa Potenciana (near San Agustín), ☎+632-5272261 / +632-5278461 loc. 367 or 373 (casa.marinero@nykfil.com.ph, fax: +632-5272234 / +632-5272264), The menu features a mix of Western and local dishes. Special "payday" buffets, combo meals, etc.
Coco Bango Cafe and Restaurant, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Urdaneta (attached to the White Knight Hotel), ☎ +632-5266181. Offers Asian and Western fare.
Max's Restaurant, 283 Cabildo, ☎ +632-5270532 to 33 (fax: +632-5270533) Part of a nationwide chain of popular family restaurants, Max's specializes in fried chicken (not the cheap fast-food variety!) and other Filipino favorites.
Splurge
Barbara's, Plaza San Luis, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (right across the street from San Agustín), ☎ +632-5273893 / +632-5274086,. Housed in a Spanish colonial-style building a stone's throw from San Agustín Church, this centrally located restaurant serves traditional Filipino and Hispanic fare in an old-style setting.Ilustrado, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (within the El Amanecer compound, a few blocks down the street from San Agustín), ☎ +632-5273674 (reservations@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph). Mainly Filipino-Spanish cuisine: rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), paella, and other traditional dishes. Fine dining in the heart of the walled city.
