3 Intramuros sites reopen to the public

Intramuros favorites Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum, and Baluarte de San Diego are open to visitors again, beginning Wednesday, February 17.

In a briefing, Intramuros Administrator (IA) chief Guiller Asido said the agency has decided to drastically lower the capacity of Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, and the Casa Manila Museum.

“This is lesser but safer,” said Asido.

Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego will only hold 100 people at a time, down from its peak capacity of 10,000 people. Casa Manila Museum, meanwhile, will only have 15 people at a time and only up to 5 people in a group.

Only visitors from 15 to 65 years old are allowed. 

Visitors are required to practice safety guidelines, which include wearing masks and face shields, physical distancing, practicing hand hygiene and cough etiquette, and undergoing mandatory temperature screening and sanitizing protocols. 

They are also required to register on the StaySafe.PH app before entering the sites.

The Intramuros Administration posted a detailed guide to the reopening on their Facebook page, along with their opening hours.

Fort Santiago’s hours on opening day are from 2 pm to 8 pm, while Casa Manila and Baluarte de San Diego are open from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Beginning February 18, the sites will have the following schedule:

• Fort Santiago – Daily from 12 nn to 8 pm
• Casa Manila – Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
• Baluarte de San Diego – Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm

Entrance fees remain at P75 for adults, while the discounted fee for students and persons with disability is at P50. Visitors can pay in cash, via Beep card, or PayMaya.

“COVID-19 drastrically changed people’s [relationship] with streets, public spaces, and public facilities. The pandemic illustrated the value for accessible open spaces which is abundant in Intramuros, said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat. – Aika Rey/Rappler.com

Book your activities online with this Klook promo code.