Intramuros

Intramuros is the 0.67-square-kilometer (0.26 sq mi) walled city of Manila, Philippines, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. It was the capital of the Philippines under Spanish and American colonial periods until 1975. The city is bordered by Manila North Harbor to the west, Quiapo and Santa Cruz to the north, Tondo to the east, and Malate to the south.

History

Intramuros was founded on June 24, 1571, by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, who named it Villa de San Miguel de Maynilad, and served as the capital of the Captaincy General of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. The city was built using local materials and labor, with the help of Filipino cristobal and Chinese artisans. In 1594, the city was renamed Intramuros, which is Spanish for "within the walls". The city suffered significant damage during the British invasion of 1762 and the 1919 Manila earthquake. During World War II, Intramuros was heavily damaged by Allied bombing and battle, which left over 100,000 civilians dead.

Geography and layout

Intramuros is located on the western shore of Manila, and is bounded by the old walls that were constructed during the Spanish colonial period. The city's layout is characterized by a grid-like pattern of streets, with major roads such as Avenida Rizal and Calle Real. The city has a total of 5 barrios, or districts: Binondo, Cavite, Ermita, Quiapo, and San Nicolas.

Major landmarks

Some of the notable landmarks in Intramuros include the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Fort Santiago, and Malacanan Palace's Presidential Car Museum. The city is also home to several museums, including the Manila Museum and the National Museum of the Philippines. The Light Rail Transit Line 1 also passes through the city, with stations such as Central Terminal and 5th Avenue.

Cultural significance

Intramuros is considered a cultural and historical treasure of the Philippines, and is a popular tourist destination. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Intramuros Grand Fiesta and the Manila International Film Festival. The city is also home to several educational institutions, including the University of the Philippines Manila and the Mapúa Institute of Technology.

Administration and conservation

Intramuros is administered by the Intramuros Administration, a government agency responsible for the conservation and restoration of the city's historic buildings and landmarks. The agency works closely with the UNESCO and other international organizations to ensure the city's preservation as a World Heritage Site. The city is also protected by several laws and regulations, including the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Intramuros Conservation and Restoration Act. Category:Intramuros