Intramuros Manila
Successful in preserving its originally old Spanish-era look, Intramuros, or the ‘Walled City’in the Philippines capital of Manila, is definitely the most highly visited destination in the region. Built on the south bank of the Pasig River by the Spaniards around 1571 as a centre of religious, political and military power under the control of Spain, the city is surrounded on all sides by high walls and moats. Intramuros is chock-full of historic Philippine sites such as Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila Museum and Rizal Park, which are also favorite attractions for historical walking tours and interesting cultural performances. Though the cobbled streets of Intramuros are now busy with modern cafés and buildings, it is still a striking place to get a glimpse of this country’s complex past.
