Attractions Manila (Philippines): description, reviews

In this article, we will talk about the sights of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, the most, perhaps, contrasting Asian city in which luxury and wealth closely coexist with poverty and wretchedness. Here you can see how amazing the size of skyscrapers with their huge "paws" come on the dilapidated concrete boxes. In Manila there are a lot of people - the density of the population is literally off scale. But there are a lot of sights in the Philippine capital.

Fortress Intramuros

Start looking at the sights of Manila is recommended from Intramuros. The name is translated from Spanish "inside walls". It is a fortress that appeared in the second half of the 16th century in order to protect the Spanish colonists from Chinese pirates. The complex grew for two centuries, but it was badly damaged during the Second World War. But here remains the charm of antiquity. Inside the fortress there are many different buildings: houses, museums, hotels, restaurants and so on. On one side, the fort of Santiago adjoins Intramuros.

The Historical Museum of Bahai Qinoy

It is located in Intramuros and is intended mainly to tell about the relationship between the Chinese and the Philippine minorities, to provide tourists with information about the life of the local people, about its culture and way of life. Here is one huge collection, which is divided into several subjects. The exposition tells about the first contacts between Chinese settlers and Filipinos, about life during the Spanish colonial regime. There are also a lot of drawings, photos, samples of furniture, ceramics, art objects and the rarest sea shells.

Jose Risal's Park

A gloomy place if you know its history. Once this territory was completely cleared of vegetation, in order to protect the southern approach to Intramuros. In the 1900s, there were executions of disgruntled citizens. How many people have been deprived of life - one god knows. Among the unfortunate was Jose Risal (or Risal) - the national hero of the Philippines, a poet and writer. Therefore, when there was a park with a botanical pavilion, a museum, monuments and a mausoleum with the ashes of a hero, he was given the name of Risal.

Malakanang Palace

Visiting the attractions of Manila, it is recommended not to overlook this charming mansion, built in 1750 specifically for Don Luis Roja - a Spanish aristocrat. The palace looks quite luxurious. It is made in the Spanish style, which is reflected both in the interior and in the exterior of the building. And the interior decoration still represents certain events in the life of the state. For example, the front staircase is hung with portraits of conquistadors. There are also several rooms here: Heroes, Reception and Ceremonial.

Aristocratic mansion of Casa Manila

Casa Manila today is a museum. But originally the building was built for an aristocratic family. About this landmark Manila can say the following: the house is perfectly preserved, although it was built in the XIX century. Inside and outside, if you look closely, you can see many interesting details. For example, carved balconies, inscriptions, reliefs. And the interior of the building is completely preserved, starting with the decor and ending with the design style of decoration.

Manila Cathedral

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is an active Catholic temple and the residence of the Philippine Archbishop. Modern building - 6 on the bill. It was erected only in 1958. And the first building appeared in 1581.

Inside the Cathedral there are burials of national leaders. The basilica of the Immaculate Conception is made in the Romanesque style: walls of dark brick, contrasting with the white statues of the saints. The bell tower crowns the cathedral and the bronze dome. It is located in the Intramuros area.

Tahanang Filipino, or the Coconut Palace

It was built on the initiative of the spouse of a politician of the Philippines specially for the Pope in 1981. Then the construction of such a building cost the treasury of 10 million dollars. But the Pope found this house "indecent", and refused to stop it. Why Coconut? Sources of this Manila landmark claim that it was erected from palm tree and coconut shell. The palace is located in the cultural center of Malate.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines

This place is a large concert and exhibition hall, which was created specifically to preserve, develop and popularize national art. There are several libraries, theatrical stages and galleries, there is even a museum.

Historic Quarter of Binondo

Manila (Philippines) has on its territory the Chinese historical quarter, in which you can feel the atmosphere 100%. Chinese lanterns, bright signs and street vendors selling exotic fruits form a unique color here. In Binondo, there are Buddhist temples and the Catholic Church, business centers and financial institutions. In general, life is boiling, as in the rest of Manila.

City Observatory

The Old Manila Observatory was built in 1865 by the Jesuits for the purpose of predicting typhoons. It is located on the campus of the University of Quezon City. Once, at an altitude of 5000 feet above sea level, a branch was equipped, but it was interrupted by the Second World War. All tools were destroyed during the Battle of Manila.

Reviews about Manila

The city of Manila (Philippines) surprises tourists with its extraordinary. These are not just contrasts. Here the guests of the Philippine capital have the opportunity to encounter interesting moments. For example, on one of the sites the girl described how warm the local people are towards Russia. They do not just know that there is such a country. They are aware of where she is, who is her supreme commander-in-chief, even asking questions about the disintegration of the USSR.

In general, if there is an opportunity to visit Manila, do not give up such a chance. However, it should be noted that many tourists were not enthusiastic about the sights. Many more pleasant impressions were given to the Manila Bay and the beauty of nature.