Top 10 Iconic Buildings in Manila, Philippines

Welcome to Manila. The capital of the Philippines is home to almost 13 million people, business hubs, leisure parks, towering condominiums, huge malls and last but most iconic, old structures. Manila has endured the test of time passing from one colonizer to another. Through its rough history, iconic and grand structures were made. Today, these timeless buildings still stand next to the many modern buildings.

1. Quiapo Church

Officially known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo Church is a prominent Catholic church in the middle of Manila. It is famous for housing the miraculous shrine, the Black Nazarene, of which millions of devotees parade and march just to touch the statue.

quiapo-church

2. UST Arch of the Centuries

The oldest university in the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, got its title because it was founded in 1611 and proof of it is still present. The symbolic Arch of the Centuries used to be the main the entrance of the UST campus back in Intramuros in 1600s. The most famous story about the arch is that every year, freshmen would ceremoniously enter the arch, as if welcoming them to the Thomasian life. Vis-a-vis, all graduating students as well would exit the arc on the Baccalaureate Mass.

ust-arch

3. National Museum of the Philippines

Situated along Taft Avenue, next to the iconic Rizal Monument (found also in this list), the National Museum of the Philippines is a government institution that serves as a scientific and cultural repository. Various permanent national treasures are stored and protected here. Additionally, multiple masterpieces of great Filipino artists can be found here, with a building of their own.

national-museum

4. San Agustin Church

The San Agustin Church literally passed the test of time (and war and multiple earthquakes), the church has been rebuilt three times. Originally built out of bamboo and nipa way back in 1574 the church was burnt. Then, the Augustinian priests decided to rebuild it with stone and completed it on 1607. The final renovation happened on 1854, and still experienced multiple earthquakes but never destroyed it. Staying as strong as ever, the church was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is now standing on Intramuros (next on the list).

san-agustin

5. Intramuros

The famed Walled City is situated in the middle of Manila, next to the Malacañang Palace (also on this list). Intramuros, Spanish for “within the walls”, is the oldest district and historic core of the Philippines. It was the seat of power when the country was under the Spanish empire. It was originally built to defend the seat from foreign invaders. Now, it is heavily damaged and possibly irreparable. Nevertheless, it is one of the most iconic places in the Philippines.

intramuros

6. Fort Santiago

Built during the Spanish era as well, Fort Santiago serves as the guard tower of Intramuros. Situated at the mouth of Pasig river, its main role is to protect the city from any invading forces. The fort is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. Several prisoners lost their lives here during the Spanish colonization. The Philippine National hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned here prior his execution.

fort-santiago

7. Manila Cathedral

Officially named as The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the basilica is located in Intramuros. The church is dedicated to the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Also, the cathedral has been a favorite site for Papal visits.

manila-cathedral

8. Bahay Tsinoy

A museum located in Intramuros as well, the building documents the history, lives and contributions of Chinese-Filipino for the Philippines. Although relatively new compared to prior structures, the building is still considered iconic.

bahay-tsinoy

9. Malacañang Palace

The President of the Philippines resides in the Malacañang Palace. It is also the official office and seat of power of the country. The palace is actually a complex of buildings built largely in Spanish colonial and Neo-classical style. Resided by Spanish governors, American governor-generals and later, Philippine presidents, the Palace is one of the most historical building in the country. Moreover, its grand architecture reflects power and authority.

malacanang-palace

10. Rizal Monument

The Rizal monument was built in 1913 in honor of the fallen hero, Jose P. Rizal, of which the statue was named after. It is a commemorative statue that consists of a standing bronze sculpture of the Rizal, with an obelisk, set on a stone base within which his remains are placed. Situated in Rizal park, the monument is a famous attraction for both locals and foreigners.

rizal-park

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