Intramuros will always be a special place for me having worked in the area before for almost 5 years. Nevertheless, the place continues to amaze me with its picturesque old buildings and churches. The old walls serving as witness of time and history are fascinating as well. Intramuros is also called the "Walled City" and it is one of the oldest districts in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This area is home to several government agencies and universities.
The above photo is the Palacio Del Gobernador, which as per history served as the home of then Gobernador Heneral during Spanish times. It has a grandiose lobby wherein you can walk on a long a red carpet nearby the building elevators. At this present time, it houses the offices of Commission on elections and the Intramuros administration.
In front of it is the newly built building of Bureau of Treasury. Its plain white classic look reminds me of the Malacañang palace. You will appreciate more of its beauty when you see it lit up during night time. We also loved its big wooden doors which looks as nice background for portrait photos.
In the middle of the Palacio Del Gobernardo and the Bureau of Treasury building, you will find the Manila Cathedral. The Manila Cathedral is one of the oldest and famous Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. It's full name is Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Given its beautiful Neo-Romanesque Architecture, it is quite popular for the local Architectural students to visit. When you get inside, the high dome-like ceiling of the Cathedral will definitely catch your eye.
On our way, to visit San Agustin Church, we saw several old structures that makes us feel back to the Spanish colonial times. Going back in history, the Philippines was colonized by Spain for three hundred plus years, hence the evident lingering influence in our language, food and government system.
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This is San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines built by Augustinian Friars from 1586 to 1606. Given its inconspicuous location, it is often overshadowed by the popularity of the Manila Cathedral.
After visiting the old churches, we continued our walk inside the walled city and took more photos. You will find several of these wall ruins that gives off that unique rustic charm to everyone who tours around Intramuros.
If you have been to the city of Vigan in the north, a UNESCO world heritage site here in the Philippines, walking around the walled city of Intramuros may give you the same old vibe. The advantage is that you won't need to travel long especially if you're within the Metropolitan Manila. Tourists who are interested in discovering and learning more about the culture and history of the Philippines, these historic old churches may help relive your faith and hear the whispers of old Manila times.
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