Intramuros in Manila was our venue for our homeschool meet up. We decided to have a field trip here with friends to learn and experience Philippine History.
We agreed to meet for lunch in Binondo and visit Fort Santiago in the afternoon. Gab and I left early to check other sites and attractions in the walled city as he want to see other areas outside Fort Santiago.
The map from the Intramuros Admin site had been very helpful. We updated it to include the labels of the landmarks so we can easily spot them while on tour.
We took an e-Trike to get to our first stop from the entrance then started walking to the next sites. It quite is manageable to walk around, just make sure you put on a comfortable shoes, lots of sunblock, have your umbrella and cap or hat, your water bottle for your cold drink and a camera.
Watch Full Video of Intramuros Walking Tour here:
Here’s the places we have covered on our DIY Intramuros Walking Tour
Plaza Roma | Manila Cathedral | Palacio Del Gobernador |
Ayuntamiento
These are all in one area. The center is Plaza Roma. It has a fountain and a
bronze monument to Carlos IV of Spain.
Facing the monument is the Manila Cathedral. The cathedral was originally the “church of Manila” officially established in 1571. The present building is the 8th structure to be built here. It is officially named Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
On the right side is the Palacio Del Gobernador . This used to be the resident of the Governor-General of the Philippines, now are occupied by government offices. On the left is the Ayuntamiento de Manila, one of the historic structures, having housed all three branches of the govrnment – the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. It now housed the Bureau of Treasury and
Plazuela De Santa Isabel
This is a few blocks away from Manila Cathedral. Just follow the General Luna St and walking towards the back of the church. This is a memorial erected in 1995 that serves as a “gravestone”, dedicated to civilians who died during the Battle of Manila.
San Agustin Church and Museum | Casa Manila
If you continue walking the General Luna St., you will arrive at the area where San Agustin Church and Casa Manila is.
San Agustin Church, built in 1571, is the oldest church in the Philippines. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Across the church is Casa Manila. It is a lifestyle museum featuring the domestic life of 19th Century upper class families in the Philippines. You can also see a restaurant and a cafe here. This is the location of the Bambike Ecotours if you want to rent a bamboo bike and ride around the walled city.
Aduana/Intendencia | Plaza Espana
We passed this on our way to Fort Santiago. These sites are along
Magallanes Drive.
Aduana also known as Intendencia, used to house the Customs offices, the Intendencia General de Hacienda (Central Administration), the Treasury, as well as the new Casa de Moneda (Mint).
Accros the ruins of Anduana is Plaza Espana. This is first known as Plaza Aduana. You can see the monument of King Phillip II of Spain here.
Fort Santiago
This is our last and final stop. The Fort Santiago is presently a National Shrine and National Monument since 1951, and a National Cultural Treasure since 2014. The kids explored the area inside the fort including the iMake Fortress Learning Center (which is a LEGO Education Center) and the Rizal Shrine. We are making a separate post of our Fort Santiago Tour.
One whole day for a a tour in Intramuros is not enough to cover the 64-hectare area. On our next visit, we are checking and walking the Walls of Intramuros, the puerta (gates) and the baluartes.
Read more about Intramuros Travel Guide for Kids. Download and print the Intramuros Map to make your tour easier.
