MANILA, Philippines – On June 24, 1571, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines, proclaimed Manila as the capital city of the country.

The Manila then was confined within the walls of Intramuros. It was only in 1901 when the Americans declared that Manila was not Intramuros alone but also the Extramuros or “outside the walls” – Tondo, Binondo, Sta. Cruz, Sampaloc, San Miguel, Pandacan, Santa Ana, Paco, Malate and Ermita.

The original Intramuros was a place of power and grandeur. The seat of the colonial government and a center for faith and education, home to the Insulares and rich Peninsulares. 

442 years later, the Indios can now trade, reside and celebrate inside the “Most Distinguished and Ever Loyal City.”

Intramuros is among the world’s top 12 heritage sites on the verge of collapse.

– Rappler.com