Take a virtual tour of three popular sites in Intramuros—the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2020
Apart from the country’s recognition as the World’s Leading Dive Destination at this year’s World Travel Awards, Intramuros has also been named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
According to the Department of Tourism, The Walled City in Manila bested 15 spots in other parts of the world such as the Acropolis of Greece, Burj Khalifa of Dubai, the Grand Canyon National Park of USA, Mount Kilimanjaro of Tanzania, and Taj Mahal of India, among others.
“We are incredibly grateful for the recognitions given to the Philippines’ magnificent dive sites and the beautifully restored heritage site of Intramuros at the 27th World Travel Awards,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. “We will continue to promote sustainable, inclusive, and world-class tourism, especially now as we slowly reopen our attractions to more domestic tourists.”
The report also notes how the Intramuros Administration (IA) “restores the walled city with extensive renovations such as bright capiz lamps installed in monuments and trees, colorful murals, and new sites, such as the dungeon and cleaned-up and fortified military structures, as a tribute to the country’s historic Hispanic period.”
The IA hopes to maintain it as an “iconic tourism site that honors the Philippines’ glorious past” through its various campaigns and initiatives.
Missing Intramuros? While most of its sites are still closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, you can revisit some of the most eye-catching places in the city through the virtual tours below.
Casa Manila
Located in Plaza San Luis, Casa Manila “is a remarkable house that takes us back in time to experience a principalia’s domestic life in the 1800s.” It’s a national museum that features a myriad of artworks and antiques that give a feel of the Spanish colonial lifestyle.
Baluarte de San Diego
At the south of Intramuros lies Baluarte de San Diego that boasts of lovely greens and rich history with its many centuries-old bastions. Constructed in the 16th century, it has stayed strong not only after the Battle of Manila but also through fires and natural disasters.
Fort Santiago
Built by the Spaniards in 1590, Fort Santiago is a historical landmark that has witnessed significant events in Philippine history. One of its most famous spots is the Rizal Shrine—it features memorabilia and relics of our national hero Jose Rizal, who was imprisoned there prior to his execution in 1896.
Article thumbnails from the Intramuros Administration