Built by the Spanish in 1571, Intramuros, also known as the Walled City of Manila, is one of the most historic places in the Philippines. It offers not only unforgettable and exciting experiences for visitors but also a deeper understanding of the country’s rich history.
If you’ve been wanting to visit Intramuros, this is your sign to finally go this weekend! The Office of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Intramuros Administration, recently opened the Centro de Turismo Intramuros.
Located within the ruins of San Ignacio Church on Calle Arzobispo, the Centro de Turismo Intramuros is an immersive museum that takes visitors on a journey through Intramuros’s past while also exploring its future. The museum houses 8,000 artifacts, showcasing the pre-colonial roots of Intramuros, the Spanish colonial era, the devastation brought by World War II, and future development plans for the area.
One display that caught the Style Weekend team’s attention was an image of a mangrove variety named Nilad. According to museum guides and historical records, this plant inspired the name of Manila. The name “Manila” is derived from the phrase “may nilad,” meaning “there is nilad.” Apparently, this mangrove species once thrived along Manila Bay and the Pasig River.
Another fascinating feature of the museum is its collection of clay pots. Some of these pots were discovered beneath the museum itself, adding an element of historical continuity to the space. Visitors can also view the 1734 Philippine map created by Jesuit cartographer Pedro Murillo Velarde, also known as the Murillo Velarde Map. This map details the entire Philippine archipelago under Spanish control, depicting different groups of people across the islands and their waves of migration.
For those interested in modern art, the massive hanging artwork by award-winning Filipino artist Leeroy New is a must-see. Titled “Galleon of the Psychopomp,” the piece pays homage to the Manila galleons of the Spanish colonial period. In his interpretation, New invites visitors to imagine this ship as a vessel capable of ferrying us between time, space, history, and hopeful futures.
For an extended immersive experience, Centro de Turismo Intramuros is connected to the Intramuros Museum. While admission to Centro de Turismo Intramuros is free, access to the Intramuros Museum requires a P150 entrance fee. On the museum’s second floor, visitors will find an extensive collection of religious relics that showcase Filipinos’ deep-rooted connection to faith and spirituality.
These are just some of the exciting things to look forward to when visiting Centro de Turismo Intramuros. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This museum is just one of the must-visit stops in Intramuros—don’t miss out on other historic sites like San Agustin Church (which has its own museum), the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and Baluarte de San Diego.
A trip to Intramuros is truly a journey through time, and Centro de Turismo Intramuros serves as the perfect starting point for this historical exploration. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, this new museum—alongside the many other historical treasures within the Walled City—offers a captivating glimpse into the Philippines' past and a hopeful vision for its future.
So, plan your Intramuros visit soon and uncover the stories waiting to be told within its ancient walls! (Photos from @intramurosph/Instagram)
Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can—reach us via styleweekendph@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.