Manila’s famous Intramuros, known for its rich history, is set to become even more exciting for tourists with brand-new attractions! The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Intramuros Administration announced today that the walled city will soon offer more things to see and do, making it a place you can visit for more than just one day.
At an event celebrating National Arts Month, Atty. Joan Padilla, the Administrator of Intramuros, said that the district is like a “new canvas” where “tradition and innovation” will meet. This means that while Intramuros will keep its historical charm, it will also be updated with modern attractions that visitors will love.
Dr. Eric Zerrudo, the Executive Director of NCCA, spoke about some exciting developments coming soon to Intramuros. He said that more buildings and attractions are being built, and soon, it won’t be possible to visit everything in one day! One major new addition is a large convention center, which will host big events and gatherings. There are also plans to renovate a historic building called Almacenes Reales, which will be turned into a shopping area with parking spaces.
Almacenes Reales is a very old building inside Fort Santiago that was built in 1591. It used to store goods brought in by the river, and later, it served as a place for soldiers to stay after an earthquake in 1863. Now, it will be part of the new developments that make Intramuros even more fun to explore.
Dr. Zerrudo also shared that soon, there will be a smooth connection between all of Manila’s famous landmarks, both inside and outside of Intramuros. This will make it easier to visit places like the National Museum, the Metropolitan Theater, and the Post Office, which will all be part of the expanded area. It’s going to be so easy to go from one attraction to another in the future!
For now, Intramuros already has two fantastic new museums that everyone should check out. The Centro de Turismo museum is an immersive experience where visitors can learn about the history, culture, and future of Intramuros. It has displays that show the city’s beginnings before the Spanish arrived, its role during the Spanish colonial period, the destruction it faced during World War II, and how it is being rebuilt today.
Another museum, Museo de Intramuros, features important buildings like the San Ignacio Church and the Mission House of the Society of Jesus. This museum showcases many items related to the Catholic Church’s history in the area, including religious artifacts and artwork.
As part of National Arts Month, Intramuros is celebrating Filipino art, culture, and history. Atty. Padilla said, “The Filipino spirit is unique in expression yet united in purpose,” and that art helps tell the story of the country’s past and future. Visitors to Intramuros can enjoy this blend of old and new, as the area continues to grow and attract more people with its fascinating attractions.