CULTURAL SITES
Intramuros, a centuries-old walled city, was the commercial and religious centre of the Spanish empire in the Philippines. It is now home to restaurants, museums, churches, antique shops and a golf course.
Manila Cathedral, with stone carvings and stained glass, and
San Agustin Church, featuring a magnificent altar and a 4,500-pipe organ, are located in the heart of Intramuros. Guarding the vital entrance to the Pasig River,
Fort Santiago was once the seat of Spanish military power.
MUSEUMS
The
Metropolitan Museum showcases various art exhibits and the extensive money collection of the
Museum of the Central Bank. The
National Museum is the repository of relics of Philippine culture and history. The
Ayala Museum moved into an impressive new building in 2004. It is now an excellent museum with changing exhibits on Filipino culture, art and history.