A Walk Through Old Town Manila

Near the entrance to Manila Bay is the original site of Manila. The castle is surrounded by ditches and medieval walls. There are 7 gates in total. And in the castle are a governor’s residence and 12 churches. It is 1 km2 and known as “Intramuros”. Intramuros is the main attraction in Manila. You can run through streets in a carriage, as if you are back in olden times, or take a walk to slowly enjoy the ancient building characteristics.

The castle was mostly destroyed at the end of World War II and then was slowly restored. When you ramble here, you can feel the hustle and bustle of the time, as well as the tragedies during the war and the current comfortable life.

The church we see nowadays, first built in 1581 and repeatedly destroyed by typhoons, earthquakes and wars, is the sixth reconstruction. It has really weathered many storms. Looking at its appearance, the church is very majestic. Three huge arches stride over layers of stairs. On the front wall are 6 white statues of believers. When you walk in, you will be further impressed by its style. Whether it’s the gold-plated altar or rose-shaped window, they will all inspire your praise.

People frequently have their wedding ceremonies in the church. Mass and other activities are regularly held there as well. Whether it is locals or tourists, they are all pious and quiet. You can experience the atmosphere inside.

It is the oldest stone church in the Philippines, and as a representative of Baroque Churches, has been listed into the Catalogue of World Cultural Heritage. The Church of San Agustin has survived several earthquakes and is a well-preserved building. The church is very glorious inside. The relief is exquisite and lifelike. When sunlight shines on the window, its colorful light spots are extremely splendid. Ashes of generations of senior officials and magnifico are buried in the church.

On each significant festival, the church is very boisterous because various significant religious activities will be held. If you happen to come on this occasion, perhaps you can only see the outside. Locals hold their sacred wedding ceremonies here as well. Making vows in front of Gods, it is extremely holy and solemn.

Located on Weapons Square and adjacent to Manila Cathedral and other attractions, the appearance of this building is very beautiful; the orange exterior is extremely eye-catching, but now it is an office building, and there are guards at the gate. If you want to enter, you have to register at the gate. After you visit Manila Cathedral, you can stroll along the road, this area is very tranquil.

There are some beggars at the gate. They may ask for money. Just ignore them.

Located in the northwest of Intramuros, its construction began in 1571 and was completed by laborers in the Philippines after 150 years. The castle was destroyed in World War II. Now, it is restored, and the original style is preserved.

Highlight of this old legendary castle is wood carving picture about Santiago on the gate. It was a fortress where Spanish people defended against foreign enemies. So, you can still see cannons and so on. In the castle, you can travel in a carriage, or walk slowly to enjoy the view. There are not many tourists. It is quiet here.

In an independent building, pictures and wax statues are mainly used to show how Chinese live in the Philippines. There are exquisite prehistoric antiques and coins, galleries full of precious printing materials and pictures and unearthed porcelains collected from all areas of the Philippines.

There are few Chinese introductions. But through pictures and wax statue sceneries, you can learn about activities of some famous local Chinese, and at the same time, you can also grasp the influence of the Chinese on the local area.

We enter a different world upon entering this yellow building. There is a round small square as well as a small fountain. This is a beautiful courtyard enclosed by high walls. The real exhibition starts from the second floor. The first floor is free. In the exhibition hall are typical furniture of the elites in the Philippines from the 19th - 20th centuries. Most of them are wooden products. They look luxurious and very Chinese.

There are guards in all corners of the hall. No photos are allowed inside. There are not many tourists in a given day. So you can enjoy as much as you like.