10 Historical Places in Manila

The streets of Manila are abundant in different kinds of property. Presently, when you look around, condominiums, commercial establishments, malls, architectural churches, and universities are everywhere. As you go to the heart of the city, you will see historical places that hold timeless beauty and unique stories.

Here are 10 historical places in Manila:

1. University of Sto. Tomas

The oldest existing university in Asia, University of Sto. Tomas is older than the calculus and America’s Harvard University.

In 1611 through the donation of then Manila Archbishop Miguel de Benavides, Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario was established. It was renamed in 1625 to Colegio de Sto. Tomas, after its patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinas. Its status was promoted to a university by Pope Innocent X in 1645. – See in Google Map.

2. Intramuros

Popular for its nearly three-mile-long trail of monumental rock stone walls, surfaces, and fortifications that almost cover the entire region, Intramuros, was named after the Latin word “Intramuros” which literally means “within the walls”. Also known as Ciudad Murada, it is the oldest district in Manila.

Before the Spanish Colonization, Intramuros was called Manila itself. Manila Day, which is held every 24^th of June actually commemorates the foundation of Spanish Manila. However, Spanish Manila was only limited to the areas enclosed by the walls. In other words, Manila Day celebrates the foundation of Intramuros. – See in Google Map.

3. Fort Santiago

One of the major attractions inside Intramuros, Fort Santiago is the oldest Spanish fortress in the Philippines. The stronghold was built in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and was named after the patron saint of Spain, St. James the Great Santiago.

It is the home of the Rizal Shrine which was the prison cell of the Philippines’ national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. A depiction of Rizal’s final footsteps before he was executed is on its floor. Also, a museum showing his courageous life is available in the place. – See in Google Map.

4. Luneta Park

Found at the heart of Manila City is the 58-hectare Rizal Park. It is considered as the largest urban park in Asia.

It is where the Rizal monument which is among the most famous cultural landmarks in the country is located. Underneath it are the remains of Jose Rizal. It was built by virtue of the United States Philippine Commission Act No. 243, dated September 28, 1901. It was approved by United States President Theodore Roosevelt. The act granted the allotment of land in Luneta to construct a monument commemorating the memory of Jose Rizal. The unveiling of the shrine happened on December 30, 1913, during Rizal’s 17^th death anniversary. It is the only statue in the country that has honor guards who watch it twenty-four hours a day. – See in Google Map.

5. Manila Metropolitan Theater

Manila is often associated with Luneta Park, Intramuros, Manila Zoo, and Quiapo Church. Sadly, not many are aware that an 83-year old Manila Metropolitan Theater exists. The building was in fact declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2004.

In its early years, though badly damaged, it managed to survive the Second World War. It will also be undergoing major rehabilitation work soon. – See in Google Map.

6. Paco Park

Nowadays, it is considered as one of the most preferred places to relax, conduct a photo shoot or attend a gig where famous and up and coming artists perform. Built by Dominican priests in 1820, it started as a cemetery. It was once a graveyard for rich family members who resided in old Manila or Intramuros during the Spanish colonial era. It was where Jose Rizal was first buried by the Spaniards before his remains were transferred to Bagumbayan, which is now known as Luneta Park. – See in Google Map.

7. Mendiola

Considered to be one of Philippines’ historical sites is Mendiola. It is a street in the district of San Miguel, Metro Manila which was named after Enrique Mendiola, an educator and author. It is one of the most favorite places for protests due to its close proximity to the Malacanang Palace. It has been the common site of rallies that often turn into violent confrontations between protesters and government troops.

The Battle of Malacanang or the Battle of Mendiola Bridge on January 30, 1970, resulted in the death of four student demonstrators. On January 22, 1987, a rally of about 10,000 farmers occurred. Thirteen of these protesters were killed and hundreds were injured. The incident is now called the Mendiola massacre. A protest happened again on May 1, 2001, for former President Joseph Estrada. – See in Google Map.

8. Bank of the Philippine Islands, Binondo

Originally called El Banco Español Filipino de Isabel 2 when it was established in 1851, the Bank of the Philippine Islands in Binondo was the first bank in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Following the provisions of the Treaty of Paris in 1898, which forced Spain to cede the Philippines to the United States, the bank had to change its nationality. The bank removed its Spanish character and became a Philippine institution. On October 12, 1907, Act No. 1790 which was passed by the Philippine Commission gave the stockholders the authority to change the name of their institution to the Bank of the Philippine Islands. The change in the name eventually took effect on January 1, 1912. – See in Google Map.

9. Felix R. Hidalgo St.

Formerly known as San Sebastian Street, the Hidalgo Street was once considered as the most beautiful street in Manila. It was named after the famous 19th-century Filipino painter, Felix R. Hidalgo. Once a home to upper and middle-class families during the Spanish era, it was abundant with grand mansions. Unfortunately, the once outstanding street started to decline during the 1960s. – See in Google Map.

10. Malacanang Palace

Named from a Tagalog phrase, “may lakan diyan” which means “a rich man lives there”, the Malacanang palace holds the seat of the President of the Government of the Philippines since Spanish times. However, the Spaniards said that the name came from “mama lakaya” which can be translated as “the fishermen who laid their catch there”. What’s fascinating about the palace is that it has a park that has a golf course. – See in Google Map.

With the prevalence of buildings, villages, and different communities in Manila, one can truly find a property just about anywhere. However, one should take note that because of the history that lies beneath the land, the price varies.

Undeniably, it is great to live near these historical places. A visit to these wonderful sites would truly allow you to relive history in a modern light.

Do you know other historical places in the Manila? Share it with us in the comments section.