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Intramuros, Philippines
Intramuros — literally 'within the walls' — is the historic core of Manila, a 64-hectare walled city built by the Spanish beginning in 1571. For over 300 years, it was the seat of Spanish power in Asia. The walls, gates, and moats enclosed churches, monasteries, universities, and colonial government buildings. Nearly destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Manila, Intramuros has been partially restored, with San Agustin Church — the oldest stone church in the Philippines — surviving as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Audio narration is essential to see beyond the reconstructions to the layers of colonial, wartime, and post-independence history.
explore by interest
Walk or take a bamboo bicycle (available for rent) through the walled city. The walls themselves can be walked in sections. Start at Fort Santiago and end at San Agustin Church. Allow at least 3 hours.
November through February (cool, dry season). March through May is very hot. The rainy season (June-October) brings heavy afternoon downpours but mornings are usually clear.