The fortress of Intramuros, Manila
Translated from Spanish for “within the walls”, the 400-year old city called Intramuros was once the seat of power in the Philippines. Within its walls, Intramuros displayed the best of Spain in the newly conquered archipelago of the Philippines.
Intramuros was designed after a star fort (very flat structure composed of many triangular bastions, specifically designed to cover each other, and a ditch). Surrounded by 8 feet thick stone walls that rise up to 22 feet, the city was built to protect the Spanish government and citizens from raiding Chinese pirates.
But the city was also a picture of how Spain treated the rest of the Filipinos. Only Spaniards and mestizos (mixed European descent) were allowed to live within, all others were only granted access to visit.
The city had well-planned streets, plazas, the Governor’s Palace was the official residence of the Spanish royalties. Ornately decorated Roman catholic churches were found inside. The best schools were there – Ateneo Municipal de Manila, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Universidad de Santo Tomas – all run by religious orders of the time.
However, World War II left the city in ruins, after repeatedly bombed by the Japanese forces. Everything but the two churches and the Fort Santiago are left standing today.
San Agustin Church. The oldest stone church in the Philippines.
Manila Cathedral. From the air the church looks like a cross.
Fort Santiago. Seat of Colonial power of Spain and the US. Dreaded prison of the Spanish regime and scene of atrocity during the Japanese occupation.
Intramuros. From the inside looking out.
This post submitted as part of the Philippine Blog Carnival “Manila, My Manila“.
images: flickr-cc (facade; wall; san agustin; manila cathedral; fort santiago; intramuros lookout)
6 Comments
I like going to Intramuros. My sister and I make it a point to go there once a year. I like the San Agustin Church especially the cemetery where some of our national heroes are found.
There’s a place among the walls where we like to get our picture take, and we always get a picture on that site every time we’re there. I think I have pictures in high school, college, and afterwards on that site.
Gay
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Well I am homesick for the PI looking at the photographs. Thanks for sharing them. Take care and kindest regards sigrun
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I’m Manila Girl- so so home sick.Its been so long
ago the last time I went home. (25 year’s )I also
Remenber Sta Mesa- Manila- STC Manila (St Theresa College)