Top Historical Places in Manila

Let's witness the history of Manila with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:

1. Intramuros

   

   Historical Site, Heritage Building

   Intramuros or the ‘city within walls’ is the oldest district in Manila and by far the most fascinating one too. It is full of historic buildings and local heritage. There are defensive walls surrounding Intramunos that were built to protect it from any invasion. Within these protective walls throve a city full of palaces, churches, convents, monasteries and schools in the late 1700...Read more

2. Rizal Park

   4.4 (6676 Votes)
   

   Outdoors, Park, Monument

   Heart moving and incredibly beautiful, Rizal Park is Philippines’ dedication to its national hero Jose Rizal. The Park is great for atmospheric walks and a quality time with family and friends. Spread out over approximately 60 acres of greens, the Park boasts of ornamental gardens, ponds and heroic statues of some of the most celebrated people in Philippines. All around the park, visitors...Read more

3. Fort Santiago

   4.4 (3123 Votes)
   

   Historical Site, Fort

   Built as a defensive fortress, Fort Santiago is walled Manila’s most important historical monument. Surrounded by manicured gardens and pretty ponds, the Fort is a testament to the Spanish rule in Philippines. Today, the fort is a shrine dedicated to Philippines’ national hero ; Dr Rizal. There are recreations of his living space and objects he owned on display including the dungeo...Read more

4. San Agustin Church

   

   Church, Religious Site, Architecture , Unesco Site

   Located in Intramunos and designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the San Agustin church is a stunning piece of art that has survived all the ordeals that this historic district has seen over centuries. The church was constructed in the sixteenth century by the Spanish. The architecture of the church is modelled over the magnificent Augustinian temples all over the world. The interiors ...Read more

5. American Cemetery And Memorial

   

   Memorial, War Memorial, Cemetery

   Spread over 152 acres on a prominent plateau, The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines is visible at a distance from the east, south and west. It contains the largest number of graves of brave soldiers from the military of World War II, a total of 17,201, most of whom lost their lives in operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. The cemetery also has a chapel that is de...Read more

6. Manila Cathedral

   4.6 (3936 Votes)
   

   Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

   The Manila cathedral is one of the prettiest sights in Intramunos. Officially established as the ‘Church of Manila’ in 1571, the church was raised to cathedral in 1579. It is by far the oldest church in Manila. The stained glass windows and grand architectural design is reminiscent of the Spanish rule in Philippines that paved the way for Catholicism in the country. Also, visit nea...Read more

7. San Agustin Museum

   4.6 (4068 Votes)
   

   History Museum, Historical Site, Exhibition

   Originally a monastery up until 1604, the San Agustin Museum stands on the remnants of the dreaded war of 1945. The first sight that greets visitors as they enter this beautiful museum is the giant bell that weighs about 3000 kg. The museum holds a treasure of artefacts, statues and other objects of interest from the Church history. There are some precious paintings that are part of the ground...Read more

8. Casa Manila

   4.5 (4157 Votes)
   

   Landmark, Historical Site, Architecture

   Casa Manila is reproduction of a Spanish colonial house that takes visitors out of the present age and transports them to a time where the Spanish ruled and Manila was highly influenced aesthetically and culturally. Imelda Marcos had this house built lavishly, with interesting items from that period and authentic architecture. The stunning furniture and artwork are simply a delight to the eyes...Read more

9. Chinatown Or Binondo

   

   Walking Area, Monument, Restaurant, Entertainment

   Not for the faint hearted, Manila’s Chinatown is a bit rough on the edges but charming nonetheless. Full of interesting sights and smells, Chinatown is full of souvenir shops and small eateries serving authentic food. It is the nerve of Manila; a thriving metropolis with pockets of diverse culture. The Chinese were given particular places to live in during the Spanish civilization, leadi...Read more

10. Chinese Cemetery

    4.3 (794 Votes)
    

    Cemetery, Architecture

    The Chinese cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Manila and is the resting place for the Chinese who were denied burial in catholic cemeteries during the Spanish rule. It has a number of prominent landmarks like the oldest Chinese temple in Manila, the Chong Hock Tong Temple. The Martyrs hall and the memorials are beautifully maintained. The Cemetery is special because it looks like a r...Read more