Intramuros, Historic walled district in Manila, Philippines
Intramuros is a fortified district in Manila, Philippines, with seven gates and limestone buildings along cobbled streets near the Pasig River. The compound includes religious structures, military installations, and government buildings within the surrounding walls.
Miguel López de Legazpi founded the settlement on June 24, 1571, as the capital of Spanish territories in Asia. During World War II, the district suffered heavy destruction but was rebuilt in the following decades.
The name comes from Spanish "intra muros", meaning within walls, and the district remains a center for weekend walks among families who follow the stone paths.
The visitor center provides maps and orientation for self-guided tours or walking circuits through the district. Most areas are accessible on foot, though some sections feature uneven cobblestones.
The streets still follow the original layout from 1571, while coral stones from the sea served as building material for the thick fortification walls. Some sections of the walls reach up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) in thickness.
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