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Intramuros: Discovering Old Spain, Manila

January 23, 2014 By Lauren McShane 5 Comments

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Away from the gridlocked traffic and high rise buildings of Manila, lies a old Spanish quarter quite unlike anything you’ll see in the city. Intramuros, meaning “within the walls” once claimed position as the military, political and religious of the Spanish empire in Asia and now ironically is one of the most peaceful places for miles. We spent two days exploring this forgotten world and all its dark, secrets.

Intramuros
I fell in love with the Spanish architecture bearing shutters, balconies and archways.

Intramuros
Tiny balconies overlooked cobble-stoned streets and buildings were refurbished to regain their original Mediterranean Charm.

Intramuros
And arches are a common theme throughout this old seat of the Spanish.

Intramuros
Bright red shutters and arched doors lead the way through thick, white walls of this Bureau of the Treasury building.

Intramuros
The citadel’s violent past is revealed in this building where war and bombings have only left rubble and some walls behind.

Intramuros
Within Intramuros, you’ll find a combination of old and new. Horses and carriages from an era past, tricycles with sidecars and jeepneys ( constructed from the US military jeeps left behind after the war.)

Intramuros
Drivers relax and wait on every corner to ask you if you’d like a tour or a ride.

Intramuros
Although the space in a sidecar is tiny, it was a welcome reprieve from the midday heat.

Intramuros
We visit the San Agustin Church, one of the only buildings to have survived an earthquake and World War Two.

Intramuros
Built in 1589 by the Monastery and Augustinians, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Intramuros
Elevated statues of Jesus Christ and Mary line the passageways alongside confessionals and arched windows.

Intramuros
Gold cherubs blow their trumpets and float poised in the air.

Intramuros
Stain-glassed windows open up to a tropical garden filled with palm trees below

Intramuros
Artwork such as the famous painting of the Last Supper still hang from the walls.

Intramuros
Along with Hispanization, friar missionaries worked to convert most of the Philippines into a Catholic society.

Intramuros
Horses and carriages bring tourists to this fortified place of worship which has survived over four centuries.

Intramuros
We braved this tiny side-car in blistering heat.

Intramuros
We stopped at this Memorare built to honour the memory of over 100 000 of innocent men, women and children killed in the Battle of Manila.

Intramuros
The majestic Cathedral of Manila.

Intramuros
We sat beside the fountain in Plaza de Roma in front of the Manila Cathedral ( closed for renovation).

Intramuros
Next we visited the Fort of Santiago.

Intramuros
This defence fortress built by the Spanish still has traces of its military past at the hands of the Americans and the Spanish rulers.

Intramuros
Inside you’ll find statues of friar missionaries,

Intramuros
Bronze embedded footsteps of the Philippines’ National Hero, Jose Rizal, who took his final steps from the dungeon to his execution and

Intramuros
dungeons where the Japanese Army left American and Filipino prisoners of war to suffocate and starve during World War One.

Intramuros
The first fort was built out of palm logs and earth and was promptly destroyed by Chinese pirates.

Intramuros
Later in 1590, The Spanish reconstructed the fort using stoned made of volcanic tuff from Guadalupe.

Intramuros
After WWII, the Philippine government declared the Fort a Shrine of Freedom.

Intramuros
This main gate of the fort was reconstructed after being damaged badly in the liberation of Manila.

Intramuros
From Muralla Street we could get up and walk along the walls of Intramuros.

Intramuros
Once used to guard the city,

Intramuros
but now used by Filipino school children as a place to relax after school.

Intramuros
Teenagers picnic and enjoy the last rays of sunshine over Manila.

Intramuros
Down below, the bustle of the late afternoon continues…

Intramuros
and we made new friends on the wall.

Intramuros
Whilst Intramuros first saw the rise and fall of Spanish Rule and Philippines revolt against America,it finally gained independence on 12 June in 1898 but not before over 100 000 Filipinos lost their lives in the battle for Manila’s freedom.

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Filed Under: Asia, Asia, Capture, Philippines Tagged With: asia, colonial powers, fort of santiago, Manila, Philippines, san agustin church, spain, world war two

About Lauren McShane

Lauren Manuel McShane is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Travel Manuel. Six continents later she still has itchy feet and wanderlust for adventure in all corners of the earth. She recently married the love of her life and together they are traveling the world pausing only to find work, take photos and write about it. Find her on Twitter @TheTravelManuel or here on Google +.

Meet The Travel Manuel

Welcome to our site! We are Vaughan and Lauren - digital nomads, modern day explorers and "style your own life" advocates. Are you ready to see the world? Learn more about us,
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