Intramuros is a historic site in the City of Manila. Established in 1571 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Walled City houses prominent families, government officials, and the highest military ranks. It was the center of the Spanish Philippines at that time. Today, some of the infrastructures are restored or reconstructed due to the damages that occurred during World War 2. The residential properties for sale in Intramuros are attractive places to be; the houses and condo apartments offer a European vibe due to the architecture that is preserved. Explore and experience Intramuros, a place frozen in time.
The Walled City is full of museums, libraries, and old buildings that are worth exploring. Some of these tourist destinations include the following:
Fort Santiago is a military citadel in Intramuros. Established as part of the Walled City, the citadel is famous for its function and European architectural design. Constructed initially from logs and earth, the fort was later fortified with adobe stone walls between 1589 and 1592. It was named in honor of Saint James the Moor-slayer, known by the Spanish as Santiago Matamoros, the patron saint of Spain.
However, Fort Santiago is not just a military stronghold; it has also served as a place of imprisonment for many Filipinos during the Spanish colonial period and the Japanese occupation during World War II. Among its most famous prisoners was Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, who was imprisoned there before his execution in 1896. His footsteps from his cell to the execution site are marked in bronze on the ground and are among the fort's most visited features today.
Today, Fort Santiago is part of the Intramuros Administration's efforts to preserve and promote the historical heritage of Manila. It houses a museum dedicated to Jose Rizal that showcases his works, memorabilia, and the history of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. Visitors can stroll along its manicured gardens, explore the dungeons and the Rizal Shrine, or take a leisurely ride in horse-drawn carriages known as "kalesa."
The museum was established by Teresita Ang-See, a well-respected advocate for Chinese-Filipino integration, and was opened to the public in 1999. It features a series of dioramas, exhibits, and artifacts that chronicle the history of Chinese immigration to the Philippines, beginning from the pre-colonial period up until the present day.
The displays at Bahay Tsinoy are both informative and engaging, designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the Chinese-Filipino journey. Highlights include life-sized dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese-Filipino history, a collection of rare porcelain artifacts, and a gallery showcasing prominent Chinese Filipinos who have made significant contributions across various fields. It also has a souvenir shop and a bookstore for its tourists and patrons of the arts.
Rizal Park is the center of Manila and it is just a few minutes away from Intramuros. Known in the past as Bagumbayan, Rizal Park is a testament to Dr. Jose Rizal’s heroism through the power of his novels namely Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Today, Rizal Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country. Sprawling 140 acres, the open landscape is filled with gardens, statues, fountains, and a variety of recreational facilities. The park is home to several attractions, including the National Museum of the Philippines, the National Library, the Planetarium, the Dancing Fountain, and a Chinese garden.
The park is also not just a place of leisure; it's also a venue for various cultural and political events. Over the years, it has hosted concerts, parades, rallies, and even Papal masses, most notably by Pope Paul VI in 1970, Pope John Paul II in 1995, and Pope Francis in 2015. Rizal Park has a cultural significance as a whole in the history of the Philippines up until the present.
Since its opening in 2008, Manila Ocean Park has been a must-visit attraction in the city, boasting a 25-meter long, 220-degree curved walkway tunnel that gives visitors a stunning 360-degree view of marine life. The Oceanarium itself is home to thousands of marine creatures from over 270 species, all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Besides the Oceanarium, guests can also enjoy several attractions such as Trails to Antarctica, where visitors can interact with Humboldt penguins, the Birdhouse, featuring a variety of colorful bird species, and the Sea Lion Show, where trained sea lions perform impressive tricks.
Intramuros, with its rich historical heritage and preserved architecture, is a must-visit for anyone seeking to delve into the Philippines' past. It's more than just a tourist destination; it's a living testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Filipino people. So the next time you find yourself in Manila, make sure to set aside a day to explore and discover the timeless charm of Intramuros.
Other than being a historical and tourist landmark, Intramuros also stands as a strategic point for someone who wants to study and make a living in the city. Here are the advantages of owning a residential property for sale in Intramuros:
Owning a residential property for sale in Intramuros provides a glimpse of the past. Everything is within reach from the iconic Fort Santiago and the remnants of it to the majestic Manila Cathedral. You can also visit Casa Manila, it feels like you are transported back into the past. Immerse into a 19th Century Spanish home. Enter the rooms as if you are part of the past, the luxurious interior designs and antique furnishings transport you to a different era. The high ceilings, grand staircases, and ornate details give a sense of grandeur and opulence that is reminiscent of the Spanish Philippines.
So if you're looking for a unique place to call home, consider the residential properties for sale in Intramuros. Here, you don't just buy a house - you buy a piece of history. Experience the timeless allure of this historic district, and become part of the continuing narrative of Intramuros.
One of the perks of buying a condo or house for sale in Intramuros is its access to transportation. Some jeepneys traverse the main road of the district. The Anda Circle is also just a walk away from Intramuros where there is a wide array of transportation options waiting to help commuters on where they need to go. The Walled City is also close to the main thoroughfares and railway networks which makes traveling in and out of the city convenient for everyone.
Intramuros is not only a favorite tourist attraction for locals and foreigners alike. There are commercial developments, shopping centers, and parks near the premises. Families, friends, and even colleagues can chill and unwind without sacrificing distance. Several restaurants, cafes, bars, and other establishments offer a lively social scene for Intramuros residents to enjoy.
The Walled City is not only a place of leisure but also a great place to attend the best educational institutions in the city. Schools present in the fortified city are known for their academic excellence, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Some of the educational institutions in Intramuros are the following: Manila High School, Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, and Colegio de San Juan de Letrán.
If you choose to own a home in Manila, don't skip the magnificent Intramuros. The residential properties in the area are not only a tourist attraction but also in a prime location close to the key spots of the Metro. The district is just a few minutes away from the Bay City and Makati Central Business District which expands your options on where to explore especially since Intramuros is just nearby to other hangout destinations and historical landmarks. There is also accessible public transportation all around Intramuros that can prove useful for residents and tourists alike. What are you waiting for? Be part of a historic city at the heart of Manila.
There is one residential property for sale in Intramuros, Manila. The price for the property in the location is ₱0.