Intramuros in Manila
If you live in Manila, the chances are that you have either visited Intramuros or have heard of it. For visitors to Manila, it is a must visit during the stay. I have taken these photos of Intramuros during my very first visit in Intramuros. As most of Manila I see on a daily basis is quite modern, the city within the walls of Intramuros is a pocket of preserved colonial architectures that recounts the history that Manila has witnessed.
Intramuros literally means city within the walls just like a fort. The area inside the walls is vast and houses churches and buildings from the Spanish colonial era that goes back to the 16th century. It has also seen historically significant events of the Philippines.
I went to Intramuros with my Tagalog class as part of an off site field trip. (I’ve hesitated to tell you that I am taking a Tagalog class because I can’t construct sentences. I find it hard to motivate myself to learn a new language at this point of my life, but I find it fun to learn Tagalog despite my slow pace!) The streets and buildings in Intramuros brings you to a different world that you don’t necessarily see in the hustle and bustle of the city centers of Manila.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Intramuros, I would like to introduce you to a good read on the history of Intramuros by Culture Trip. Please click on the link below.
The History of Manila’s Walled City of Intramuros
Photos of Streets Around San Augustin in Intramuros
San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the only building in Intramuros that survived the multiple large earthquakes and the attacks during the Second World War. It is one of the four Baroque Churches in the Philippines and the only one in Manila that was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.
Museo San Agustin
Museo San Agustin is adjacent to San Agustin Church. It is worth a visit. I highly recommend that you go to the San Agustin Museum during your visit in Intramuros. The stunning architecture, religious art pieces, historical items on display and the atmosphere of the Baroque Church will give you a peaceful tour of the history of the Philippines.
Intramuros carries some somber history which I read some about in this museum. I was especially disheartened to learn about the act of cruelty that the Japanese soldiers have committed in the Philippines during the World War II. My heart sank. At the same time, I felt the deep gratitude towards the Filipinos who are nothing but friendly and welcoming towards the Japanese despite the history. In my personal experiences, the Filipinos I have encountered in Manila have been the kindest people. I couldn’t help but hope that the Japanese people are as kind as Filipinos towards the foreigners who come visit or live in Japan.
San Agustin Church, Gen. Luna Street
Intramuros, Manila
PHONE: +63 2 714 6889
EMAIL: museosanagustin.manila@gmail.com
HOURS: 8 am – 5 pm
Interior of San Agustin Church
White Knight Hotel Intramuros
Casa Manila Patio in Intramuros
National Cathederal
National Museum of Fine Art
We made a quick stop at the National Museum of Fine Arts. We ran out of time and thus, we didn’t get to see the whole museum. The National Museum of Fine Arts is massive! I need to go back and revisit this beautiful museum for sure.
Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros
We made the last stop at Ilustrado, a lovely Spanish Filipino food restaurant in Intramuros. The word Ilustrado means the Filipino educated class during the Spanish colonial period. If you ever visit Intramuros and would like to enjoy some local Spanish Filipino food in a very hip and cool set up, Ilustrado would be a good one. We were able to get a table in no time without a reservation during the week. You may want to make a reservation for a weekend trip.
744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna)
Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
Phone: + 63 (2) 527 3674
Tele/Fax: + 63 (2) 527 2345
Mobile: +63 922 8234981-83, +63 939 9206822
dine@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph
catering@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph
I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of Intramuros!
Here are a few tips that I would like to leave for future visitors.
1. Arrive at Intramuros early in the morning
The museum opens as early as 8:00 a.m. You will be better off staring the tour of Intramuros early in the morning to beat the crowd and before the heat will get you.
2. Hat & Comfortable Shoes
Don’t forget your hat and comfortable shoes. You might be walking a lot, so make sure you put on some comfortable shoes and outfits for the warm weather.
3. Water
Bring your water bottle. The Philippines is a very environmentally conscious nation!
4. Book a restaurant for lunch
We were able to get a table at Ilustrado without a reservation, but we could have been lucky. If you would like to have lunch at Barbara’s which is across from the San Agustin Church, you will need a reservation.
The only regret I have is that I didn’t get to visit the famous Fort Santiago. That is left for the next visit and hopefully with my family!
ADDED LATER
Below is a post with Fort Santiago that I visited in 2019.
Site Recommendations For Intramuros In Manila
Very nice!
Thank you so much!!!
very informative!
Thank you!!