Manila, the capital city of Philippines, is an intriguing holiday destination, especially for the ones interested in history and culture. From the glorious Intramuros to the interesting National Museum of Philippines, the city has it all and offers history buffs a memorable holiday experience. Here, we have compiled a list of four must-visit historical and cultural attractions in Manila.
Fort Santiago
A part of the walled city of Manila, referred as Intramuros, Fort Santiago is where the past of Manila comes alive! The mammoth citadel was first built by Spanish explorer, Miguel López de Legazpi, and is the place where the Philippines’ national hero José Rizal was imprisoned. Visit the fort to admire its marvellous architecture and the well-preserved relics from the Spanish Colonial era. The famous Rizal Museum houses the anecdotes, novels, attires and other objects which depict the life of José Rizal.
Quiapo Church
Canonically called Saint John the Baptist Parish, Quiapo Church is one of the most sacred sites in Manila. It is situated in the district of Quiapo and is visited by hordes of locals and tourists. Every Friday, the church hosts a novena in honour of the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of the Jesus Christ. The original structure of the church, which was burned in 1574, is believed to be made of bamboo and nipa palm.
The National Museum
This largest and the most famous museum in Philippines is yet another cultural highlight of Manila. It boasts an impressive collection of paintings, artefacts, archives and other treasures from the eventful history of the Philippines. The museum was established in 1901, and is a must-visit attraction for every history enthusiast travelling to Philippines. The museum building also houses the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, and National Planetarium.
Cultural Center of the Philippines
This is perhaps the best place in the Philippines to admire and experience the interesting arts and culture of the region. Here, you will witness remarkable architecture, art exhibitions, beautiful paintings and some of the finest theatres in Philippines. Some of the prominent highlights at this place include the Theater of Performing Arts, the National Arts Center, the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo or the Main Theater, and three massive exhibit halls used for displaying artwork.
