Santa Cruz, Urban district in Manila, Philippines
Santa Cruz is an urban district in Manila that sits along the right bank of the Pasig River and contains several major cemeteries serving different communities. Neighboring districts include Tondo, Binondo, Quiapo, and Sampaloc, which surround it on all sides.
Jesuit missionaries established the first Catholic church here in 1619 to serve the Chinese population living in the area. The district gradually expanded and became an important part of Manila's urban landscape over the following centuries.
The district's cemeteries serve as gathering places where families honor their ancestors, reflecting how different communities in Manila preserve their traditions and identities. These spaces hold deep meaning for residents who visit regularly to remember those who came before them.
Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2 connect this district to other parts of the city, making it easy to move around Manila. Rizal Avenue runs through the area as the main street, helping you navigate between different sections.
A former horse racing track was transformed into SM City San Lazaro, a shopping center that now houses hundreds of retail shops. This redevelopment brought new economic activity to what was once an industrial area.
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