Just like Machu Pichu and Taj Mahal, the Philippines also has its share of heritage sites to be proud of. Intramuros is a 16th century walled city housing numerous historical landmarks that has its own rich heritage site history.
Start off at San Agustin Church which boasts of baroque architecture fused with European church design. Additionally, Malolos Congress drafted their initial Philippine Constitution here.
Corregidor Island
Corregidor Island at Manila Bay was home to an American military base during WWII and today its remnants serve as reminders of battles fought between Filipino and American soldiers to preserve the nation.
The Nakpil-Bautista House was home to key figures in Philippine history, such as Dr Ariston Bautista who developed medicine against cholera, and Gregoria de Jesus, widow of Andres Bonifacio. Now it holds memorabilia of Katipunan movements as well as other historical materials.
Paoay Church
Paoay Church is a national historical landmark constructed between 1704 and 1707 by Augustinian missionaries as part of their efforts. Their bell tower stands several meters away to avoid any potential injuries in case it collapses unexpectedly.
Katipuneros of the Spanish Revolution used this site as a lookout tower observation post; Filipino guerrillas utilized its regal presence and lush green landscape during World War II as a lookout tower observation post. Today it serves as an attractive scenic attraction.
Philippine historical landmarks include Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city; Rizal Park – which honors Dr. Jose Rizal – and Banaue Rice Terraces, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dambana ng Kagitingan
The Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor was constructed as an act of tribute and memory to Filipino and American soldiers who fought at the Battle of Bataan during World War II; their last stand before they surrendered to Japanese forces.
The Memorial Cross depicting slabs and reliefs depicting various events from our history – such as Jose Rizal’s duel with Lapu-Lapu during Spanish colonial rule – forms its base. The shrine can be found at Intramuros in Manila.
Biak-na-Bato
General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return and help the Philippines regain independence from Japan at this memorial park, commemorating the 1944 Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Once Andres Bonifacio had been arrested and killed, his followers led by Emilio Aguinaldo sought refuge at Biak-na-Bato in Bulacan due to its many caves which provided hideaways.
The Pact of Biak-na-Bato, signed on December 14, 1897, offered revolutionaries amnesty and financial indemnification in exchange for exile in Hong Kong. Now known as a national park where visitors enjoy trekking and cave exploration.
Cinco de Noviembre Memorial
This memorial marks the site of where the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain was signed on November 1, 1897. Here Lt. Maximiano Correa, who led ten Spanish cazadores and seven Filipino civil guards before they surrendered to Emilio Aguinaldo’s revolutionaries on November 1.
Philippines boasts many pre-colonial heritage sites. Of these are more renowned than others; such as San Agustin Church with its baroque design blending European elements. Constructed between 16th and 18th centuries.
Sheik Karimol Makhdum Mosque
The Sheik Makhdum Mosque stands as a landmark symbolizing Islam’s early establishment in this region of the Philippines, having been built during the 14th century and being considered “enduring physical evidence of early establishment,” as noted by experts.
Other historical landmarks include Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Manila where Filipino independence was declared and where Andres Bonifacio first held up a bolo to play his national anthem for the first time.
Leyte Landing Monument in the Philippines commemorates General Douglas MacArthur’s commitment to free Filipinos from Japanese occupation during WWII by returning home. Here he arrived back after landing on Leyte Island. It marks where his plane first landed after landing back in Manila from Leyte Island in 1944.
Fort Drum
Visit historic sites is an effective way of understanding how our traditions, culture, and life came to be. They also give hope that even in darkest moments there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Intramuros is an historic walled city located within Manila that boasts some important landmarks, such as San Agustin Church – known as the oldest stone church in the Philippines and where Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal was executed – as well as the EDSA Shrine which honors peaceful revolution against Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada dictators.
Taluksangay Mosque
This mosque stands out with its blend of traditional and modern elements, its colors symbolizing two integral aspects of Islamic faith: purity and peace, as well as serving as an indicator for harmony between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Zamboanga City.
Biak-na-Bato National Park in Bulacan was used as a hideout by Filipino revolutionaries during the Spanish Civil War. Now serving as a memorial park to honor those who sacrificed themselves fighting for independence, Biak-na-Bato pays a poignant tribute to all those lost while striving towards freedom.
Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides an exceptional way to explore Philippine culture and history. This charming town’s well-preserved cobblestone streets and ancestral houses will transport you back in time.
