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Intramuros, Manila

Half day tour of Intramuros

Intramuros, located along the southern bank of the Pasig River, was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila.

Its name is Spanish for 'within the walls', reflecting its setting within the thick, high city walls and moats that once protected it from invasions. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered to be Manila itself and was the seat of government, with districts beyond the walls referred to as the 'extramuros' ('outside the walls'). The city was heavily damaged during World War II when there was a battle to recapture the city from the Japanese, and reconstruction of the walls began in 1951, with the city declared a National Historic Monument.

The tour today will include a wander through the cobbled streets within the walls, as well as a visit to Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house that features Oriental and European decor alongside Philippine antique furniture; San Agustin Church, the country's oldest stone church, and other nearby points of interest. There is also the option to ride a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) from Fort Santiago to the interior of Intramuros.

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Audley Travel specialist Alex

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