Manila City Guide
Cultural Spots
The Manila Cathedral was rebuilt in 1951 and stands amongst the ruins of the five previous buildings which have been destroyed by earthquakes and fires. The Cathedral has a Romanesque exterior with stone carvings and rosette windows; these were salvaged from the last building when it was bombed during the Liberation of Manila in 1945. The present intricate architecture is exquisite and makes the cathedral a great place to visit.
The San Agustin Church, built between 1587 and 1604, is one of the oldest churches in Philippines. It has managed to survive both the extreme weathers and the Liberation of Manila. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site means that it is a building which would interest tourists who wish to learn about Philippine history and culture. The building has an exquisite Baroque-style interior and has six chapels for you can delve into.
Natural Wonders
The Manila Bay has a rich history as there have been many naval battles fought in its waters. The Spanish fleet were defeated by American forces on Manila Bay, which saw Manila become American territory for around 40 years. As well as its interesting past, Manila is also famous for the breathtaking sunsets that have become a must-see for all visitors.
The Taal Volcano and Lake are amongst the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines. You can take a boat ride to the volcano and a trek to the top of the crater. This attraction hosts a volcano within a lake within a volcano; whilst it is one of the world’s smallest volcanoes, it is still extremely dangerous and tempestuous.
Historical Sites
The Intramuros was a European style fortified city that seated the government between 1571 and 1898. The great wall stretches for 4.5 kilometres and once housed many palaces, churches and wealthy houses within its interior. The whole city was flattened by American forces when the city was recaptured from the Japanese in 1945. Today, the restored walls and gates stand to show visitors the life that once existed in Manila.
The museums within Manila are a great way to view and understand the history of the city. The Casa Manila Museum looks at how residents lived during the Spanish Colonial era. The reconstructions allow visitors to delve into the living rooms, kitchens and courtyards of the past. The San Agustin Museum is one of the few buildings that didn’t get destroyed in Intramuros in WW2. The monastery has been turned into museum to display the paintings, religious statues and ornaments from Manila’s past.
5 Day Weather Forecast for Manila
