Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Walls of Intramuros

The City of Manila was once grand and Intramuros was the symbol of aristocracy. From its founding in 1571, it was the exclusive creation of the Spanish ruling class. Within its walls were important government buildings, first-class homes, churches, convents, hospitals, schools and plazas.

Intramuros witnessed the Philippines proud history. This walled city stood the test of Chinese invasion, Dutch threats, British attacks and other forces until it was finally destroyed by the American bombings during the Battle of Manila. By the end of World War II, the Walls of Intramuros are all that remained of the once-proud City.

These Walls are my Witness


History Passed Overhead


One of the Many Canons of War


Historic Walls


If these Walls Could Talk


Greens and Grays


Who would take care of the Fortress


This is my contribution to My World. To see other great places around the world, please click here.

34 took the journey:

diwata13 said...

Great photos again at parang Great Wall of China...:) luv it as usual and as always since the first time I saw ur blog. I now believe the adage "Love at first sight"... Great! Great! God bless you!

alicesg said...

It is nice to have these walls to remind people of the past histories. Am sure these walls witnessed so many sad and happy histories, yup you are right if only the walls can talk, but they cant cause they only got ears. The proverb said.... "Walls have ears"..hehehe.

Martha Z said...

I enjoyed your photos and interesting text.

Janelle said...

the old fort certainly was magnificent. i'm glad part of it is still preserved for future generations to enjoy

Indrani said...

I understand the feelings of the shots, so well captured and presented.
Great post.

chrome3d said...

You really took some detailed and loving views of the walls. Brilliant textures and atmospheres.

Ebie said...

A lot of history for a great culture. Thanks for the tour.

FilMasons NSW said...

Great pictures, especially the close up/detailed photos. I haven't been to Intramuros in a long while, great to see that it looks like it has improved...

witsandnuts said...

These walls are a witness to so many things. I hope these will be preserved/maintained accordingly.

Superman said...

Nice write up and photos on the walls!

luna miranda said...

yeah, if only the walls could talk! love the shots, especially the 2nd and 3rd photos.

I am Xprosaic said...

Yup! intramuros has still this "mystical" aura that is of like vigan... jejejejejje

SandyCarlson said...

What an incredible place. So strong. Thanks for the tour.

Arija said...

Colonial powers build great buildings that withstand the test of time and yet.....

dodong flores said...

Hi, Lawstude. Ang galing ng mga kuha mo dito. Grabe talaga ang Intramuros, napaka-historical...

By the way, may post ako entitled If these walls could talk. Pero hindi naman kuha sa Intramuros. Share ko lang http://travelogue.digitalrebel.ws/2007/04/if-these-walls-could-talk.html.

collapsingbarrycade said...

this reminds me again of the Old Manila walk tour that my friends and I are planning to do before the year ends.

intramuros is really charming in it's own way.ahhh, old Manila is perhaps so much better than the Manila now. ;)

freeze said...

nice! you made intramuros look "glamorous"

Lalaine said...

kala ko sa china ang destinasyon mo eh. yun pala Intramuros. ganda! taon na ang binilang nung last kong punta dyan... makadalaw nga minsan dyan =)

Photo Cache said...

I've always enjoyed seeing photos of Intramuros. To me it's like a different place altogther.

I have posted my entry here: www.ewok1993.wordpress.com

Denise said...

Wonderful post and your photos are always brilliant. Thank you for sharing so much history.

Regina said...

Nice of you to share our history.
Please read this too. February 2009 Post.
http://regina-myfavorite.blogspot.com/2009/02/knowing-who-you-are.html

Reena said...

well, to answer your question, IA or the Intramuros Administration is supposed to take care of these walls...But with the way they cut those super old trees, I am not convinced they can take of this area very well. hay...

Postcards from Wildwood said...

Interesting information and a lovely collection of shots to go with it. I like how you've captured the texture of the various parts of the wall.
Janice.

Esther Garvi said...

I love historical places! Beautiful pictures to go with an intriguing visit!

Chyng said...

I love Intramuros. Naging bahay ko yan for 5 years. Kaya ngayon binabalikan ko pa din. *teary-eyed*

Nanaybelen said...

ganda. once lang ako napunta dyan noong field trip ng kids ko.Dyan nagfield trip ang school at nursery pa si Josh at kinder naman yung daughter ko. biglang hindi namin makita yung son ko .nawawala si Josh. Nagpanic ako pati teacher nya at duon sya namin nakita sa may last picture mo. May matandang nagpipinta at pinapanuod nya yung pintor at kinakausap pa nya. Sabi ng painter marami daw syang tanong tungkol sa pagdrodrawing.
Thanks for sharing this pictures attorney. Ang ganda pati ang mga kuha nyo. Namiss ko ulit ang mga memories noong bata pa sila.

Swarna said...

Nice bit of history. Those structures remind us of wars, but also of the better old days.

aiLee920 said...

wow... whenever i am at intramuros, i always felt like i was walking in europe... hehhe

foongpc said...

Your photos make me want to visit Philippines! I like the cannon! : )

Everlito (ever) Villacruz said...

ang ganda ng effect ng picture pards, may istorya!

bing said...

can't help but admire the shots..

Raft3r said...

if these walls could talk talaga
hehe

natrauma ako dyan
may nakita kaming two guys doing it dyan sa mga walls ng intramuros

hanggang ngayon yan ang una kong naaalala sa intramuros
hehe

ginabeloved said...

Didn't know that Intramuros is hiding such beauty. Obviously, hindi pa ako naka visit dun despite being here in Manila for almost three years. haha

thanks for the pics :)

Jenn said...

Very nice set of photos! Did Intramuros great justice.