Top 10 most famous architectural works in the Philippines

The Philippines is an island nation with an area of ​​about 300,000 km2 and a population of about 103,775,000 people, located in Southeast Asia. Because it is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, this country is often affected by earthquakes and tropical storms, but has rich and diverse natural resources. Culturally, the Philippines is a country with a combination of Eastern culture and Western culture. Because of this influence, the architecture of this country is also quite special, both traditional Eastern features and modernity of Western architecture. Join me in learning about the unique features expressed through typical architectural works in the following article.


Intramuros ancient citadel

Intramuros is an ancient citadel built by the Spaniards in 1571 on the southern bank of the Pasig River. This structure was built with deep moats and stone statues up to 6 m high, 4.5 km long around an area of ​​64 hectares, with the purpose of dominating and resisting the resistance of the Filipino people. Initially, the city wall was built of wood, but in 1590, Santiago - the first governor of Manila - had it demolished and rebuilt with thick, solid stone, and also built watchtowers and fortresses.


This is a large complex of buildings for the colonial ruling apparatus, including many buildings, hospitals, schools or churches. These places are for Spaniards only and are forbidden to locals. In particular, around the citadel there is an extremely solid system of trenches, ramparts and artillery shells. In the past, there were many clashes between Spanish soldiers and Filipino revolutionaries here. The most prominent among them is Fort Santiago. This is one of the important defensive locations of the colonists. Through many events such as wars and earthquakes, only Fort Santiago remains intact with its original architecture.


After many years of war, the Intramuros Ancient Citadel has been largely destroyed but important relics still remain. Typical of which are Quiapo church - a church with a typical style of ancient Spanish architecture and also the largest church in Manila, San Augustin church - the oldest church in the Philippines recognized by UNESCO as a Heritage Site. world culture. Currently, some points of Intramuros have become ruins, some are still in use such as Manila Cathedral or Saint Agustin church. This place has become a place of worship and wedding photography for many couples.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is one of the famous destinations of Manila, Philippines that you should not miss. This place is the pride of this country in its fight against Spanish domination. This stone citadel has an Italian-Spanish architectural style and was built in the 16th century. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi built this city, creating this giant stone citadel for Manila and named after the saint. patronizes St James the Great of Spain. It is also known as Fuerza de Santiago in Spanish or Moong Santiago in Tagalog.


Initially, this was just a stone and wood structure, but in 1592 it was completely rebuilt with solid stone. This fortress was formerly Manila's most important defensive structure and is now a park and memorial to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal - who advocated independence for the Philippines from Spain. and was imprisoned here for the last two months of his life. This place is truly an attractive destination for those who want to learn about the history of this island nation.


Rizal Park

Rizal Park is one of Manila's most famous relaxing green spaces over the past 200 years, loved and impressed by countless Filipino tourists. This lush green strip of land was originally called Luneta. It was later renamed to honor Dr. Jose Rizal, a peace-loving man, a reformer, and a Philippine hero. With an area of ​​58 hectares, the park includes decorated gardens, monuments, water features and a children's playground, making it a suitable place for families and friends to hang out on weekends or holidays. Tet. For Filipino tourists, it is a cool and scenic stopover.


Coming to the park, tourists will see the 12.6 meter high statue of Dr. Rizal cast in bronze and marble. This is also where Dr. Rizal's body is kept and is guarded by soldiers day and night. The statue is just a few meters from where he was executed. In front of the statue is the Kilometer Zero marker, the starting point for measuring all distances in the Philippines.


Miniature gardens simulating the styles of countries such as Japan, China... always bring interesting surprises to first-time visitors to the park in the Philippines. Immerse yourself in nature at the Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. Then it's on to the Orchidarium, a 2.21-hectare plot filled with all kinds of orchids, tropical plants, ferns and greenery.

Temple of Our Lady of Edsa

The Shrine of Our Lady of Edsa is a small cathedral belonging to the Archdiocese of Manila, located at the corner of the intersection of Ortigas and Epifanio de los Santos. This work was built as a memorial to remember the government's first revolution. Visiting here, tourists will hear detailed explanations about the local people's famous protest to overthrow the President - a fight for freedom only by peaceful methods. Therefore, if you are a lover of history, especially the history of this beautiful island nation, do not miss the opportunity to listen to a presentation at the Temple of Our Lady of Edsa.


This is a small church belonging to the Archdiocese of Manila, located at the intersection of Epifanio de los Santos and Ortigas. The Temple of Our Lady of Edsa was built to remember and commemorate the first revolution of the local government. If you have the opportunity to come here with a promotional flight ticket to Manila, you will have the opportunity to have seniors or tour guides introduce details about the once-resounding protest to overthrow the president. This is honored as a struggle to regain freedom without using harsh measures, so fortunately there were few casualties.