We did a tour of the Intramuros (“Walled City”), which is the centrally located Spanish colonial period seat of government and military headquarters! Well, it was pouring with a deluge of rain, so the pictures do not perhaps do it justice! Still, we were able to walk along the fortification stone walls which were constructed in 1571. The grid pattern is used, with wide streets, plazas and public squares, all symmetrical.
Manila is a port city, so there are many buildings that reflect trade and affluence. We looked through Casa Manila to get an idea of the opulence and splendor. I was able to climb around Fort Santiago, glance into the Manila Cathedral and walk along the cobblestone streets and see the moat (which was rapidly filling with rainwater). This UNESCO World Heritage site is really filled with a nice lot of architecture.
(Visiting Casa Manila)
There are several cannons, but all are relics now. There were several urban renewal projects underway, so that the construction partly obscured what the rain was drenching! There was a wedding going on at the San Agustin Church (oldest stone church in the Philippines; UNESCO World Heritage Site), but we came back as soon as it was over, and walked through the church. There are several beautiful stained glass windows and the floor is a artwork in and of itself. It is nice to see reconstruction of many of the buildings destroyed during the WWII.
(San Agustin Church)
(Manila Cathedral)
(Fort Santiago)
We drove by Rizal Park (an urban park with monuments, gardens, and flag poles) on the way home for the evening. That 2 am departure for the airport is just too soon.
Excellent article and photos!