Notes

Things you can see in Intramuros

1. Historical churches and old buildings. There are not just one, but two old churches here, San Agustin, the oldest stone church in the country, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. The Manila Cathedral just a few blocks away, is the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. The cathedral was orginally owned and governed by the diocese of Mexico in 1571, but became a separate diocese in 157.

2. Old style buildings. Intramuros is home to Fort Santiago, the citadel first built by the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi for the new established city of Manila. The fort is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. Many lives were lost in its prisons during the Spanish colonioal period and World war II. Jose Rizal, the national hero, was imprisoned here before his execution in 1896. Elsewhere in the walled city, you will find the shell of old colonial-era buildings, as well as newer structures built to the style of the period.

3. Horse-drawn carriages. The ubiquitous kalesa, a horse-drawn carriage, is a popular way for tourists to get around in Intramuros.
Kalesas were popular among rich, educated Filipinos known as the illustrados during the Spanish era.

4. Guardia civil. The guardia civil was the local police force organized under the Spanish colonial government. It was disbanded after the Spanish–American War but you can still see what they look like in Intramuros, where security guards are dressed like the Spanish-era gendarmes.

5. Monuments. Though there are not as many monuments as you might find in neary Luneta, Intramuros has a few of its own, including this tribute to King Carlos IV of Spain for his role in vaccinating Filipinos against small pox. The fountain below and the greenery nearby make the plaza around the statue a good place to rest as you contemplate your next stop.

6. Cobblestone streets. They can be murder on your car's suspension, but the cobblestone streets around San Agustin Church lend the area an old-world charm.

7. Tourists. With its old buildings and museums, Intramuros is a popular tourist destination. Find them on foot, in kalesas, or in more modern modes of transportation.

8. Sourvenirs. What's a tourist destination without souvenirs? There are a number of these sprinkled across the walled city, including the extensive three-floor Silahis Arts & Artifacts on Calle Real del Palacio. Nearby, you can find the Monja Loca (the Crazy Nun), which sells bowler hats favored by Jose Rizal.

9. Religious and other carvings. In churches or in souvenir shops, religious icons are a common sight. There are even gargoyles at the entrance of the San Agustin Church parking lot.

10. Sampaguita ice cream. Take a refereshing break from your wandering with some homemade sampaguita ice cream at the Illustrado restaurant on General Luna Street. If you don't like your ice cream tasting and smelling like the national flower (surprisingly good), you can also try pandan, nougat, or nilangang mani flavors.