Intramuros

Manila, Philippines

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Intramuros, meaning “within walls” in Spanish, is the historic walled city and oldest district in Manila, Philippines, founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi on the south bank of the Pasig River. Enclosed by massive stone walls over 6 meters (20 feet) thick and originally surrounded by a moat (now mostly filled), Intramuros served as the political, religious, and military center of Spanish colonial rule for over 300 years, housing only elite Spaniards and mestizos within its boundaries. The 66-hectare district contains 51 blocks, seven fortified gates, 12 churches, the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church (the only surviving original stone church from the 16th century), Fort Santiago (a citadel and former prison), and the Casa Manila museum, all reflecting Spanish colonial architecture and layout. Heavily destroyed during World War II by Japanese occupation and Allied bombings, Intramuros was slowly reconstructed after the war, retaining its Spanish-era charm while now also hosting modern cafes, government offices, and schools. Today it is Manila’s top tourist destination, offering cobblestone streets, horse-drawn kalesa rides, and a glimpse into the Philippines’ colonial past, and it remains the only part of the city that has preserved its 16th-century Spanish colonial identity.