Manila, Capital city in Manila Bay, Philippines.
Manila is the national capital of the Philippines, extending across sixteen districts on Luzon Island, with Intramuros as its central historic core. Manila Bay forms the western boundary, while the city spreads east and north through densely populated residential and commercial neighborhoods.
Miguel López de Legazpi founded the city in 1571 as the capital of the Spanish East Indies, transforming it into a major trading post for galleon commerce across the Pacific. After three centuries of Spanish rule, the city passed to American colonial administration and gained independence in 1946.
Jeepneys with hand-painted patterns and colorful signs roll through the streets, serving as daily transport for commuters and families. Street markets in Divisoria and Quiapo draw shoppers who haggle among stacks of textiles, spices, and religious figurines.
The Light Rail Transit system connects major districts, with Lines 1 and 2 intersecting at Doroteo Jose station in Santa Cruz district. Visitors should plan to move early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme rush-hour congestion.
Manila Cathedral in Intramuros incorporates local materials like bamboo and shells into its neo-romanesque architecture, reflecting Filipino craftsmanship. The nearby Rizal Park contains a Chinese garden and a Japanese garden, marking a century of diplomatic ties.
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Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0
Manila tells the story of the Philippines through buildings from many periods. The old town of Intramuros holds Spanish forts and churches that reach back centuries. Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral stand as markers of colonial times. Churches such as San Agustin and San Sebastian show different...
University of Santo Tomas
2.1 km
Malacañang Palace
1.9 km
Rizal Park
1.6 km
Fort Santiago
843 m
San Agustin Church
802 m
National Museum of the Philippines
1.1 km
Old Legislative Building
1.1 km
Tondo
2.6 km
Manila Cathedral
626 m
Rizal Monument
1.6 km
Quiapo Church
778 m
San Sebastian Church
1.3 km
Star City, Manila
4.5 km
Manila Metropolitan Theater
404 m
Manila Ocean Park
1.9 kmCoconut Palace
4.5 km
National Museum of Natural History
1.5 km
Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden
3.7 km
Manila City Hall
822 m
Manila Central Post Office
206 m
National Museum of Anthropology
1.2 km
Rizal Memorial Stadium
3.9 km
Santo Domingo Church
4.9 km
Jones Bridge
9 m
Paco Park
2 km
PBCom Tower
6.1 km
Divisoria
1.3 km
Binondo Church
549 m
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