ntramuros [32] (Latin: within the walls) is the historic centre and oldest district of Manila, the capital

city of the Philippines.

Also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-
mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire
district.

Understand[edit]

San Agustín Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

From the city's foundation in 1571 to the end of Spanish rule in 1898, Intramuros was Manila.
The Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi laid the foundations of the new capital on the
former site of Maynilad, a palisaded riverside settlement ruled by a native chieftain. To protect the
inhabitants from attack, in the late 1500s construction began on a series of stone walls and
fortifications that would eventually enclose a pentagonal area approximately 0.67 sq km in size,
within which lay a tight grid-like system of streets and a main square surrounded by government
structures. The defensive curtain was more or less completed by the 1700s, although improvements
and other construction work continued well into the next century.
Manila Cathedral, facing the main square of Intramuros

Within the protective walls rose a city of stone palaces, churches, monasteries, convents, schools,
and fine courtyard houses. In the centuries that followed, Manila (meaning Intramuros) served as the
capital of the Spanish East Indies - the centre of commerce, education, government, and religion in
Spain's most distant imperial possession.
Except for a brief period under British rule (1762-1764), Intramuros remained a Spanish city until
1898, when the U.S. took control of the Philippines at the end of the Spanish-American War.
In 1945, during the fierce Battle of Manila between American, Filipino and Japanese forces,
Intramuros was almost completely destroyed. Instead of rebuilding on the same site, many of the
religious orders and educational institutions that once resided in the walled district packed up and
moved elsewhere. Although steps were taken to protect the city's historic character, vague laws and
poor enforcement led to many unsightly modern buildings being built upon the ruins of the old. In
1979, the Intramuros Administration was established and stronger measures introduced in order to
preserve what was left.
Many of the city's ancient gates and most of the walls have since been restored. On the other hand,
there has been almost no progress in the reconstruction of key landmarks (such as major churches
and old government buildings), due in part to a serious lack of funds and the existence of new
structures.

Get in[edit]
Map of Intramuros and the surrounding area

By taxi[edit]
For visitors who don't mind shelling out a little extra - and putting up with rush-hour traffic jams -
Manila's relatively inexpensive taxis are probably the easiest and most direct way of reaching
Intramuros from elsewhere in the city. The current flagdown rate is ₱40, and the fare goes up in
increments of ₱3.50 every 300 metres.

By train[edit]
The nearest railway station is Central Terminal (LRT-1 / Yellow Line) [33]. Though within sight of
the eastern walls, the station is a pretty long walk from the western part of Intramuros (where many
of the major sights are located), so tourists headed in that direction might consider covering the rest
of the journey by taxi.

By water bus[edit]
The Pasig River Ferry used to stop at Plaza México station, not far from the ruins of the Intendencia
(Aduana) building, but according to reports the service has been suspended for an indefinite period.
If operations resume in the future, the ferry will likely use this same stopping point.

Get around[edit]
It's hard to get hopelessly lost in Intramuros, thanks to the district's orderly street plan.General
Luna (also known by its old name, Calle Real del Palacio) is the closest thing Intramuros has to a
main street and gives visitors easy access to most of the major attractions, including San Agustín
Church and Manila Cathedral. Follow this street all the way to its northwestern tip and you'll find
yourself in front of Fort Santiago; go the other way and you'll eventually end up in Rizal Park, which
is just over the border in the nearby Ermita district.
If you do lose your bearings, don't panic. Keep in mind that except for a small section near the
river, the entire district is surrounded by walls - so there probably isn't much of a chance that
you'll inadvertently end up in the wider city beyond. A quick look at a map (and perhaps a little help
from passers-by) should easily put you back on track.

A calesa parked in front of Manila Cathedral

 By calesa - First used on the streets of Manila in the 18th century, these horse-drawn carriages
can usually be found waiting for passengers near Fort Santiago. A nice, old-fashioned way to
get around Intramuros. To avoid getting ripped off, it may be a good idea to ask about the route
and confirm the price of the trip before setting out.

 On foot - Walking from one attraction to another is a popular way to get around Intramuros. Just
mind the cars: there are almost no pavements to speak of so pedestrians usually share space
with automobiles. It is even possible to walk on some sections of the old city walls.

 The tricycle is a good way to get around if you are alone or for two small made persons. It is
cheap and the "driver" is friendly and knowledgeable enough to take you around to all the sights.
Get off if you are interested to spend time at a particular site. They charge by the hour, best to
settle the rate before start and set the time. The tariff drops towards the end of the day. By 4 it
drops to almost half which is anyway a fair price.

See[edit][add listing]
Intramuros is heaped in history. A visit to the museums throw some light on the history of Philippines
and life during the early period of settlements. Try not to be tempted to get into the souvenir shops,
mark them and go later after the tour around the place and all the sites are covered.

Walls, gates, and fortifications[edit]

Main gate of Fort Santiago

Except for a small open stretch near the River Pasig, Intramuros is completely surrounded by the
massive stone walls that gave the district its name. Starting from the northwestern end of the
fortifications and moving anti-clockwise (Note: This is not a comprehensive list!):

 Fort Santiago, Santa Clara (on the NW end of Plaza Moriones), ☎ +632-5271572, [1]. 8AM-
6PM daily. The former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. Although the
fort sustained very heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Manila, several key portions of the
compound were subsequently restored - including its iconic gate with a wooden relief
featuring Santiago Matamoros (St. James the Moor-slayer), the patron saint of Spain. It is now
considered a major landmark and one of Manila's most popular tourist attractions, partly
because José Rizal - the national hero of the Philippines - was imprisoned here prior to his
execution on 30 Dec 1896. The Rizal Shrine (see Museums, below), a small museum dedicated
to his life and work, is housed in a restored section of one of the fort's former barracks. ₱75, ₱50
students/children. edit

 Postigo del Palacio, Santa Lucia (a short distance from the back of the Palacio del
Gobernador). Built in 1662, renovated 1782-83. On 30 Dec 1896, national hero José Rizal was
taken through this gate en route to the place of his execution, in what is known today as Rizal
Park (see related entry on the district sub-page for Ermita). edit

 Puerta de Santa Lucia

 Baluartillo de San Jose and Reducto de San Pedro

 Baluarte de San Diego, Santa Lucia cor. Muralla, [2]. Dating from the 17th century, this
formidable bastion surrounds the remains of the round fort of Nuestra Señora de Guia, the first
stone fort built in Manila. Severely damaged during the Second World War, the Baluarte de San
Diego was restored in the 1980s and is now a major tourist attraction. edit

 Puerta Real and Revellin de Real del Bagumbayan

 Baluarte de San Andres

 Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao

 Puerta del Parian and Revellin del Parian

 Baluarte de San Gabriel

 Puerta de Isabel II, Magallanes Drive (near Colegio de San Juan de Letrán). Built in 1861, this
was the last gate to be opened in Intramuros' walls under Spanish rule. A fine statue of Queen
Isabel II of Spain stands in front of the gate. edit
Plazas, monuments, and public buildings[edit]

Statue of King Carlos IV of Spain in Plaza de Roma

 Plaza de Roma, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Andres Soriano (Aduana) (in front of
Manila Cathedral), [3]. Bounded by the Manila Cathedral to the southeast, the Palacio del
Gobernador to the southwest and the Ayuntamiento to the northeast, this small plot of fland is
Intramuros' very own plaza mayor (main square). At the centre of the plaza stands a monument
to King Carlos IV of Spain, cast in 1808 and erected in 1824 by a colonial government grateful
for his having dispatched a shipment of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines. edit

 Ayuntamiento, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Cabildo (right next to Plaza de

Roma), [4]. Completely rebuilt in 1884 after the disastrous earthquake of 1863, the seat of
Manila's colonial-era city council once had some of the grandest interiors in Intramuros. The
1945 Battle of Manila left it a gutted shell, of which only parts of the first storey survived; it then
suffered the indignity of serving as a parking lot. A major reconstruction project that started a few
years ago is finally nearing completion, with the facade of the historic building now having
regained much of its prewar glory. edit
 Palacio del Gobernador, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Andres Soriano
(Aduana) (right next to Plaza de Roma), [5]. This eight-storey office building was erected in the
late 1970s on the site of the Spanish Governor-General's official residence, which was
destroyed in a powerful 1863 earthquake that also damaged many other structures in
Intramuros. Sadly, the hulking modern building looks almost nothing like its grand 19th-century
namesake. edit

 Plaza Moriones - Located in front of Fort Santiago, this is where the Galeria de la Revolucion
Filipina is situated.
 Plaza México
 Plaza Sto. Tomas
 Plazuela de Sta. Isabel - a memorial monument of the civilian victims of World War II can be
found here.
Churches[edit]

Manila Cathedral (interior)

 Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral), Cabildo cor. Beaterio (in
front of Plaza de Roma), ☎ +632-5271796 / +632-5273093 / +632-5273889 / +632-
5283876(mlacathedral@yahoo.com, fax: +632-5360192), [6]. Destroyed and rebuilt several
times over, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and one of
the most important churches in the Philippines. The current Neo-Romanesque iteration
(consecrated in 1958) is the eighth - or sixth, depending on who's counting - to stand on the site
since 1581, succeeding the 19th-century structure that was levelled to the ground during the
1945 Battle of Manila. A small exhibit detailing the Cathedral's history can be found in one of the
side chapels near the entrance. Masses are offered daily; refer to the official website for a full
schedule of liturgical services. Free, but donations are appreciated. On February 2012, church
authorities announced the temporary closure of the Cathedral (effective 7th February) in order to
make way for urgent structural repairs. It was reopened to the public on April 2014 after
undergoing extensive architectural restoration and rehabilitation. The reopened Cathedral also
features an enhanced sound, video, and lighting system. edit
San Agustín Church (interior)

 San Agustín Church, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Real, ☎ (museum numbers)
+632-5274060 / +632-5274061, [7]. A true Spanish Baroque treasure, with magnificent trompe-
l'œil ceilings and a splendid high altar. Consecrated in 1607, this ancient building managed to
survive the Second World War (although it, too, sustained heavy damage) and is said to be the
oldest stone church currently standing in the Philippines. It was added to the UNESCO World
Heritage List in 1993 as part of the group "Baroque Churches of the Philippines". Miguel López
de Legazpi (1502-1572), the first Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines, is buried in a
tomb near the high altar; other funerary monuments can be found along the walls or set into the
floor. Much of San Agustín's neighbouring monastery was damaged during the war and was
subsequently refashioned into exhibition space for the San Agustín Museum (see Museums,
below). The church is a very popular venue for weddings; don't be surprised if you encounter a
ceremony in progress during your visit. Church itself is free, but visiting the adjacent museum
requires a paid ticket. edit
Museums[edit]
 Bahay Tsinoy, 32 Anda cor. Cabildo, ☎ +632-5276083 / +632-
5266796 (info@bahaytsinoy.org, fax: +632-5276085), [8]. Tu-Su 1PM-5PM. A museum
dedicated to the history and contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community. ₱100, ₱60
students/children. edit
Casa Manila (courtyard)

 Casa Manila, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Real (across the street from San
Agustín Church), ☎ +632-5274084, [9]. Tu-Su 9AM-6PM. A recreation of a typical upper-class
colonial Intramuros home. The interiors are filled with antique furniture, artwork, and other
artifacts from the Spanish era, all carefully arranged to illustrate what life was like for wealthy
families of that period. ₱75, ₱50 students/children. edit

 Light and Sound Museum, Santa Lucia cor. Victoria, ☎ +632-5242827, [10]. Using images,
sounds, and animatronics, the museum takes visitors on a journey through Philippine history
under Spanish rule. The facility is housed in a building whose facade reproduces the
appearance of the old motherhouse of the Beaterio de la Compañía de Jesús, which stood
on the site until its destruction during the Second World War. ₱100 per person for groups of 10
or more; smaller groups are reportedly charged a higher per-person rate (contact the museum to
confirm arrangements). edit

 Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago, [11]. Tu-Su 8AM-5PM. Located within the walls of Fort
Santiago(see above), this small museum contains exhibits related to the life and work of José
Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. edit

 San Agustín Museum, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Real (right next to San
Agustín Church), ☎ +632-5274060 / +632-5274061. 8AM-noon, 1PM-6PM daily. Adjacent to
the San Agustín Church (see Churches, above), this museum's very impressive - if rather
poorly labelled - collection includes Spanish colonial-era ecclesiastical vestments, sacred
 vessels, religious art, manuscripts, and other important cultural artifacts. The building itself is
steeped in history, fashioned out of the surviving portions of a monastery that was heavily
damaged during the Second World War. ₱100, ₱50 college students, ₱45 high-school students,
₱40 elementary school students. edit
Ruins[edit]

The ruins of the Intendencia

 Intendencia (Aduana), Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla (not far from the
riverbank), [12]. Built in the 1820s and reconstructed after the 1863 earthquake, this building
once housed the Spanish colonial government's customs offices and other administrative units.
It was damaged during the war but survived to re-enter government service - at one point
housing the Central Bank of the Philippines - only to fall victim to a 1979 fire that caused
massive destruction. There are plans to restore the building (whose exterior walls have survived
more or less intact) for the use of the National Archives. edit

 San Ignacio Church, Arzobispo cor. Anda, [13]. Built by the Jesuits and consecrated in 1889,
the church's magnificent interiors were completely destroyed in 1945. There are plans to restore
the ruined building for use as an ecclesiastical museum. edit
Other buildings[edit]
 ECJ Building, Santa Lucia cor. Real (near Puerta de Santa Lucia), [14]. The external
appearance of this post-war building closely mimics that of the Augustinian Provincial House,
an extension of the nearby San Agustín convent that was built on the site in the 19th century
and destroyed by fire in 1932. edit

Do[edit][add listing]
 Club Intramuros Golf Course, Bonifacio Drive cor. Aduana Street, Port Area (30-45 min from
the airport via Roxas Blvd), [15]. A few years after the Americans took over from the Spanish in
1898, the fetid, swamp-like moat around Intramuros was drained and filled in. The newly
reclaimed land was later covered with grass, spiced with a few sand pits and sprinkled with
water traps. Result: an 18 hole, par 66, 4,326-yard greensward that wraps around the city's
ancient walls and makes for an interesting (if rather short) golfing experience. edit

Buy[edit][add listing]
For visitors looking to take something home, stores and galleries selling everything from native art to
tourist kitsch aren't difficult to find in this district, especially near major landmarks like Fort Santiago.
That said, Intramuros isn't really known for its shopping - to find more options one might consider
heading out to the malls of the nearby Ermita area and further afield.

 Mananzan Handicrafts, G/F Upl Building, Sta. Clara (near Fort Santiago), ☎ +632-
5279734. Local handcrafted goods and souvenirs. edit
 The Silahis Center, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio), ☎ +632-
5272111 (silahiscenter@silahis.com), [16]. Handmade Filipino goods and folk art. Other
departments within the same showroom feature fine art, antiques, and books. edit

Eat[edit][add listing]
Budget[edit]
 Chowking, FEM I Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271339 / +632-5272903, [17]. 7
AM to 10 PM. Chinese dishes with a Filipino twist. Branch store of a major fast-food chain. edit

 Greenwich, Ground Floor, FEM II Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271682 / +632-
5220331, [18]. Fast-food-style pizza and pasta. Look elsewhere for authentic Italian cuisine, but
it's a decent enough place if all you're after is a quick, tasty, reasonably priced meal. edit

 Jollibee, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla, ☎ +632-5270489 / +632-5270505, [19]. M-F
6AM-8:30PM, 7AM-7PM weekends. Typical fast-food joint: burgers, fries, fried chicken and so
on. Branch store of the country's largest homegrown fast-food chain. edit
Mid-range[edit]
 Andria's Taste, Chamber 8, Puerta Isabel II, Muralla (in front of the Letran dormitory), ☎ +632-
5366427 (andriastaste@gmail.com), [20]. Serves an assortment of popular dishes, including
roast chicken and chicken sisig. edit

 Bistro Marinero, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Santa Potenciana (near San
Agustín), ☎ +632-5272261 / +632-5278461 loc. 367 or
373(casa.marinero@nykfil.com.ph, fax: +632-5272234 / +632-5272264), [21]. The menu
features a mix of Western and local dishes. Special "payday" buffets, combo meals, etc. edit

 Coco Bango Cafe and Restaurant, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna (Calle Real del
Palacio) cor. Urdaneta (attached to the White Knight Hotel), ☎ +632-5266181, [22]. Offers Asian
and Western fare. edit

 Max's Restaurant, 283 Cabildo, ☎ +632-5270532 to 33 (fax: +632-5270533), [23]. Part of a

nationwide chain of popular family restaurants, Max's specialises in fried chicken (not the cheap
fast-food variety!) and other Filipino favourites. edit

 Ristorante delle Mitre, CBCP Building, 470 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (near San
Agustín), ☎ +632-5595220. Features simple, hearty Filipino meals inspired by the favourite
dishes of the country's bishops and clergy. The culinary team is supervised by a nun who
formerly served as a cook to a prominent local cardinal, and the walls are decorated with
 portraits and mementos of senior clerics - perfectly in keeping with the sacred atmosphere of the
San Agustín area. edit
Splurge[edit]
 9 Spoons, 9th Floor, The Bayleaf Intramuros, Muralla cor. Victoria (inside the Bayleaf hotel
building), ☎ +632-3185000, [24]. 6AM-1030PM. Contemporary interiors, access to a roof deck
and splendid views. The restaurant serves both international dishes and local specialities. Buffet
breakfast daily, buffet lunch on weekdays. edit

 Barbara's, Plaza San Luis, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (right across the street from
San Agustín), ☎ +632-5273893 / +632-5274086, [25]. Housed in a Spanish colonial-style
building a stone's throw from San Agustín Church, this centrally located restaurant serves
traditional Filipino and Hispanic fare in an old-style setting. edit

 Ilustrado, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (within the El Amanecer compound, a few
blocks down the street from San Agustín), ☎ +632-
5273674 (reservations@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph), [26]. Mainly Filipino-Spanish
cuisine: rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), paella, and other traditional dishes. Fine dining in
the heart of the walled city. edit

Drink[edit][add listing]
If you're feeling peckish - or need something more substantial to go with your beverage - the cafés
listed here also generally offer light meals and snacks, making them a good alternative to the
restaurants listed in the previous section.

 Cioccolata – Churros Café, Ground Floor, The Bayleaf Intramuros, Muralla cor. Victoria (look
for the Bayleaf hotel building), [27]. 6AM-10PM Mon-Fri, 8AM-8PM Sat-Sun. Nothing like some
good old-fashioned churros con chocolate to relive colonial days. Also offers a selection of more
contemporary beverages, sandwiches and desserts. edit
 Starbucks, 15-A Puerta Isabel II, Muralla cor. Magallanes (near Puerta de Isabel II), ☎ +632-
5274282, [28]. No matter where you go, you can't escape Starbucks. Sits not far from the
historic Puerta de Isabel II, the last gate built in Intramuros. edit

Sleep[edit][add listing]
Hotels of any kind - from the luxurious to the spartan - are easy to find in Manila, but there aren't
many choices within Intramuros itself. Until recently, most visitors have had to base themselves
somewhere outside the walls; this has now changed with at least two new hotels setting up shop
inside the district boundaries within the last few years. In addition to the options listed below, other
conveniently located hotels can be found in the neighbouring Ermitadistrict.
Tourists willing to put up with (and pay for) long taxi rides might also consider bedding down in the
high-end hotels of the posh Makati business district, miles to the southeast.

Mid-range[edit]
 The Bayleaf Intramuros, Muralla cor. Victoria, ☎ +632-3185000, [29]. A swank new hotel just
inside the walls, with great views of the surrounding area (especially from the roof deck). The
neighbourhood isn't the best of places in Intramuros but the major sites should be within an easy
 walk from here. Complimentary WiFi upon check-in. Has a cafe on the ground floor and a
restaurant on the 9th. edit
 White Knight Hotel, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Urdaneta (opposite San
Agustin church), ☎ +632-5266539, [30]. It of. fers different type of rooms such as Standard
Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Twin Room Executive Queen Room and Suite, all equipped
with Private toilet and bath with hot/ cold water, Flat-screen cable TV, Wi-Fi access, Bed with
non-allergenic pillows and duvet sheets, Telephone, etc. Some of its facilities and services are
Coco Bango Cafe - a new restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, Massage
service, Conference room, Travel - airport and city transfers, car rental, tour assistance, etc.
From here, guests can easily explore the oldest district in Manila and discover its rich and
fascinating history. The following attractions can all be found nearby such as Intramuros - Puerta
del Parian, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, Reducto de San Pedro, Plaza
de la Fuerza, Casa Manila, Plaza de Roma, Malls - 168 Mall, Tutuban Mall, SM Manila, and
Robinson's, Statues of King Carlos IV, Philip II, and Queen Isabela II of Spain, etc. edit
Splurge[edit]
 Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Roxas Blvd, ☎ +632-5270011 (resvn@manila-
hotel.com.ph, fax: +632-5270022 to 24), [31]. Opened in 1912 on a prime site just outside the
walls of Intramuros, the venerable Manila Hotel is a well-known landmark and a historic location
in itself. General Douglas MacArthur lived there from 1935 to 1941. Special online rates
(currently much lower than published rates) and other offers can be viewed on the hotel's official
website. edit

Contact[edit]
The international telephone country code for the Philippines is 63. The area code for Metro Manila
(including Intramuros) is 2.
For further information about this district, contact:

 Intramuros Visitors Centre, Santa Clara (near Fort Santiago), ☎ +632-5272961. Stop by this
handily located information point (just inside the entrance gate leading to Fort Santiago) for
maps and advice. edit

Get out[edit]
Manila's sprawling Rizal Park, the National Museum and many other attractions are located just over
the border in the Ermita district, within sight of Intramuros' southern walls.

Cell theme

Cell membrane- Pueta de Isabel II- to enter the whole intramuros be sure to go and find the entrance
gate, the puertabrane de Isabel II. If you already found it you can now come in and have

Nucleus- Intramuros visitors’ center- if you are already inside the intramuros, go to the intramuros
nuclesitors’ center! In celltramuros nuclesitors’ center you can get a map and advice about the whole
intramuros. It was a great information center specially if it is youre first time there.
Nucleolus- Fort Santiago- Explore the nucleofort Santiago which is the Manila’s most popular tourist
attraction! It has an ionic gate and wooden relief featuring Santiago Matamoros that makes everyone
to enjoy.

Mitochondria- White Mitoknight Hotel

Cell wall- walls

Ribosomes- The Ribosilahis Center,

ER- Intramuros Endoreticustreets

Cytoplasm- manila cathedral

Golgi bodies- calesa- golgilesa

Chloroplasts- Puerto real garden