Plaza de Armas
인트라무로스
public square in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the historic heart of Manila. I am your guide, a scholar of Southeast Asian colonial history, and it is my absolute privilege to walk you through the Plaza de Armas within the storied walls of Fort Santiago. …
Listen in the app2The Fort Santiago Gate and Moat
We now stand before the iconic Fort Santiago Gate, arguably the most photographed architectural structure in the entire Philippines. Take a moment to look up at the intricate stone relief carved into the pediment above the main…
Listen in the app3The Casa del Castellano Ruins
As we move just slightly north from the main gate, before fully entering the central square, we encounter the evocative ruins of the Casa del Castellano, or the Fort Commander's Residence. This was once one of the most important…
Listen in the app4The Plaza de Armas Central Square
You have now entered the Plaza de Armas, the literal and figurative heart of Fort Santiago. As you look around this expansive open square, you might find it difficult to reconcile its current peaceful state with its intensely…
Listen in the app5The Rajah Sulayman Theater
Moving to the western edge of the Plaza de Armas, we approach a fascinating juxtaposition of devastating destruction and creative rebirth. You are looking at the ruins of the former Spanish Cuartel de Infanteria, or Infantry…
Listen in the app6The Rizal Shrine and Final Cell
We now arrive at the most hallowed ground within Fort Santiago, and perhaps in all of the Philippines: the Rizal Shrine. This building is a meticulously reconstructed portion of the old colonial barracks, dedicated entirely to…
Listen in the app7Baluarte de Santa Barbara and the Dungeons
From the solemnity of the Rizal Shrine, we move to the darkest and most sinister section of Fort Santiago: the Baluarte de Santa Barbara and its infamous dungeons. Located at the extreme northwestern tip of the fort, this bastion…
Listen in the app8The Pasig River Viewing Deck
We conclude our historical walking tour at the northernmost edge of Fort Santiago, standing on the elevated viewing deck overlooking the historic Pasig River. As you lean against the warm stone parapet, you are looking out at the…
Listen in the app9Closing
As our audio tour of the Plaza de Armas in Fort Santiago comes to a close, we find ourselves back near the center of the citadel. Take a deep breath of the tropical air and look around this space one final time. …
Listen in the app
What is Plaza de Armas?
Plaza de Armas is a place in 인트라무로스 with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 인트라무로스 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 14.5945, 120.9701 |
| Last updated |
