Location
Located in the center of Manila. Intramuros means the "The Walled City".

Construction
Built by the Spanish construction began in 1589. The fortress was surrounded by a moat and twenty foot high stone outer wall enclosing 64 hectares of land inside.

Prewar
Prior to the war, Intramuros was used as the headquarters of General MacArthur's offices for the US Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), at No. 1 Victoria Street, until abandoned after the Japanese attacks on Luzon.

Battle of Intramuros
During the battle of Manila, Japanese defenders made a final fanatical defense of Intramuros against the US Army. Civilians including clergy and nuns were used as hostages. 

On February 21, 1945 American forces bombarded the 40' thick outer walls of Intramuros. It was hoped the outer wall could be penetrated, without bombing the historic structure from the air.

Postwar
Most of Intramuros was damaged or destroyed during the fighting and bombing required to neutralize the defenders.  After the war, Intramuros was slowly reconstructed by the Philippine military and funds from civic groups.

Today
A popular tourist for visitors to Manila. Intramuros is the most prominent Spanish era structure in Manila.  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 part of World War II history as well.

Memorare Manila
Located in the Plaza de Santa Isabel, on the corner of General Luna and Anda Streets. This memorial was dedicated in 1995. The statue commemorates St. Isabel caring for wounded during the battle of Intramuros.

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.

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 prepared in the vestry of the church in 1898. In 1993, it was chosen as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Memorial for the Clergy & Civilians 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.

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 beginning in 1901, then officer's school in 1905 until the school transferred to Baguio in 1908. Destroyed during the fighting during 1945, 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 MacArthur 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 remains as ruins.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009