Casa Manila, History museum in Intramuros, Philippines
Casa Manila is a museum in Intramuros that recreates a 19th-century Spanish colonial residence spread across three levels with stone walls, wooden floors, and large windows fitted with translucent capiz shells. The layout shows typical features of that era, including living spaces, dining areas, and service rooms arranged around a central courtyard.
The museum opened in 1981 as a reproduction of a Spanish colonial residence from around 1850, preserving the architectural style of that era. It was built at its current location in Intramuros to give visitors insight into how the Spanish colonial period shaped the city.
Inside you find traditional furniture, decorative objects, and household items that show how wealthy Filipino families lived during colonial times. Walking through the rooms reveals the daily routines and values of these households.
The central courtyard with its paved floor and fountain is a good starting point to explore the rooms and get your bearings. The different levels are easily walkable, with each room clearly labeled to help you understand the layout.
The zaguan entrance opens into a granite-paved courtyard with a water fountain that served as a cooling system during hot tropical weather. This design solution demonstrates how residents adapted to the climate using water and shade strategically.
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