Intramuros, a walled Spanish settlement encompassing 64 hectares, was the political and commercial center under the Spanish regime (1571 to 1898).  The walls, extending 4.5 kilometers in length, enclose a community of churches, schools, government offices, and buildings in Castilian architecture. 

Among the prominent spots in Intramuros are Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, Puerto Real Park and San Juan de Letran College.  Recent improvements led to the opening of a museum, a park, art galleries, an open-air theatre, fine restaurants, craft shops and souvenir stalls. 

The Intramuros Visitors Center offers a 30-minute tour, a one-hour tour or a two-hour tour within its walls.  A two-hour tour starts with a photo exhibit and a video documentary and a walk to the historic Fort Santiago, which rose from the ruins of the Spanish-American war and World War II. 

Inside Fort Santiago is Rizal Shrine Museum, where national hero Jose Rizal stayed prior to his execution in 1896.  Rizal was a European-educated doctor, who earned the ire of Spanish friars for writing two novels, critical of the Spanish administration in the Philippines.  On display in the museum are Rizal’s collections that include artworks and manuscripts.

The next stop is San Augustin Church, which was built in 1571. A fine museum is attached to the church and is well worth a visit.  Then, the visitor has the choice to walk on the walls of Intramuros on the way to Casa Manila museum, which puts in display the possessions and furniture of a wealthy Spanish family in the 19^th Century.  There are 25 points of interest in the walled city, but not all of them have been carefully maintained.  Cultural performances at night are available in April and May.