"The Walled City" Spanish
walled city that was constructed begining in 1589, surrounded
by a moat and twenty foot high
stone
outer wall enclosing 64 hectars of land.
Battle of Intramuros
It was inside Intramuros
that Japanese defenders made their final fanatical
stand against US Army forces during the battle of Manila, with
civilians and religious clergy and nuns as hostages. On
February 21, 1945 American forces bombarded the 40' thick outer
walls of Intramuros. It was hoped the outer wall could be opened
without bombing it from the air.
Today
Most
of the buildings were damaged or destroyed by the fighting
and bombing required to netralize the location and from the heavy
fighting. After the war, the fortress was slowly reconstructed
by the Philippine military and funds from civic groups. Today it is
a popular tourist destination showcasing the most promenant Spanish
era relic in Mania. Nearly
every building and street corner has a plaque related to its history,
and damage during the war. The location is geared towards general tourism,
although several relics, memorials and locations are promenent to the
WWII history as well.
 Memorare
Manila
Located in the Plaza de Santa Isabel, on
the corner of General Luna and Anda Streets. This memorial wwas dedicated
in 1995. The statue commemorates St. Isabel caring for wounded during
the battle of Intramuros.
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 Puerta de Santa Lucia
Facing Malecon Drive, this
is the entrance to Intramuros, built in 1603. The gate was destroyed
during the battle for Manila to allow American tanks to enter Intramuros.
Its side chambers were restored in 1968, and the gate in 1982.
Today, it is passable for foot traffic and storage of Spanish era
related artifacts for festivals.
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 Church of San Agustin
The oldest stone church in the Philippines, built
from 1586 - 1607. After the Spanish-American War, the terms for
the American occupation
of Manila were prepaired in the vestry of the church in 1898. In
1993, it was chosen as a UNESCO world heritage site.
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 Memorial
for the Clergy & Civilans Killed
Inside
the church's crypt, there is a memorial and plaque to honor the
140
civilians and clergy killed by the Japanese during the fighting
inside
Intramuros on February 10, 1945.
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Cuartel De Santa Lucia
(Santa Lucia Barracks)
 Built in 1781 as Cuartel de la artilleria
de montana. Used as a barracks for the Philippine Constabulary
begining in 1901, then officer's school in 1905 until the school
transfered to Bagio in 1908. Destroyed during the fighting during
WWII, the remaining walls were used to reconstruct the barracks. |
No 1 Victoria Street
(Headquarters USAFFE)
 Former location of the headquarters
of General MacArthur's US Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). Popularly
known as No 1 Victoria Street for its address in Intramuros & Reducto
San Pedro. Abandoned during the retreat of Filipino and American
forces after the Japanese landings. Used as a barracks by the Japanese
during occupation. Destroyed during the battle of Manila in
1945. Today, a plaque stands at the location, and a pair of statues
representing a seated MacArthrur and Filipino in discussion. |
 Barbette San Diego
Shaped like the 'ace of spades' this
structure was built by the Spanish and used as a foundry. During
WWII it was mostly destroyed. Today, it is walkable as
ruins.
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Type 10 (1921) Dual Purpose 120mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Japanese dual purpose gun emplaced at Intramuros
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