Manila Stories and Sights

Manila is the Philippines' capital and the center the country's economic, social and cultural activities. The country was a colony of Spain for more than three hundred years and the Spanish architectural heritage is seen in the many Catholic churches - some dating more than a hundred years old - scattered throughout the city and in the whole country.

Old restored Spanish houses can be seen within the stone walls of Intramuros.

The entrance to Intramuros.



Manila Skyline. The thick moat that can be seen at the center are the walls of Intramuros.



The horse-drawn carriage is called a calesa. You can rent and ride one as you go around.



This the courtyard of Casa Manila. It is a house-museum that showcases living quarters, furnitures, and cooking and dining wares used by a rich Filipino-Spanish family during the colonial era. Don't miss it when you drop by.



This row of houses has been restored and features the design typical of houses built during the Spanish colonial era.



Also within Intramuros are two of the country's well known churches: The San Agustin Church, designated a World Heritage Site, and the historic Manila Cathedral, seat of the city's Archdiocese. Unlike San Agustin church that miraculously survived the bombs of WWII, the current cathedral is the seventh to rise on the site. These two churches are a favorite for couples tying the knot.

The San Agustin Church courtyard on a typical day.


The main altar of San Agustin church.


The Manila Cathedral.



Schools, government offices, and the main office of the country's oldest newspaper, Manila Bulletin, can also be found in Intramuros.