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M A N I L A C I T Y G U I D E
Attractions
Intramuros
Originally a Chinese settlement, the Spanish rebuilt Intramuros as a fort, replacing the wood with stone in 1590. Gradually the area was expanded until it became a walled city containing 15 churches and six monasteries. The walls are 3 km (1.8 mi) long and 6 m (20 ft) high, and are about all that remains after WWII finished off what General Douglas MacArthur had started in the 1930s. MacArthur used Intramuros as his base, tearing down old buildings and widening the roads.
In recent years, renovations have begun on some of the remaining buildings. Casa Manila is restored to its former glory, while the church and monastery of San Agustin has remained virtually untouched since the earliest construction at the site. The Manila Cathedral is also in Intramuros. It has been damaged or destroyed six times since it was built. You can also see the ruins of Fort Santiago, which is now a pleasant park, and the interesting Rizal Shrine Museum, devoted to the Filipino martyr. Intramuros is just south of the river, in the heart of Manila.
Rizal Park
Separating Intramuros and the city beyond from the tourist center of Ermita is the neat Rizal Park (also known as Luneta). It's a meeting and entertainment place, popular with everyone in Manila--and on a pleasant Sunday it seems that all 12 million of them have come down to enjoy the peace and quiet. In the north-west corner of the park is Rizal's execution site, marked by dramatic statues of the event. The park also features a planetarium, a Chinese and Japanese garden, fountains, a floral clock and an area for roller-skaters. Don't miss the impressive dinosaurs at the Children's Amusement Park, in the south-east corner of the park.
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