Philippines history is deeply rooted, and its historic landmarks tell its tale. Be it a monument honoring its first president or memorials to soldiers killed during battle and during Bataan Death March, these landmarks should not be missed by anyone looking to understand more about our past.
Intramuros
Intramuros is an historic place in the Philippines known for being “the Walled City”, as it was once home to grand administrative establishments, aristocratic families, churches, and educational institutions surrounded by walls for protection from invaders.
World War II saw much of San Agustin’s walls fall and only its church remaining standing; since then, reconstruction efforts have focused on maintaining historical value and design elements as much as possible.
Manila Cathedral stands as an icon in the area, boasting intricately carved statues and stained glass windows. Additionally, don’t miss Escuela Nautica de Manila (known also as Philippine Merchant Marine Academy). This complex recreates life among 19th-century Filipino elite, known as illustrados.
Barasoain Church
Barasoain Church has earned itself the moniker “Cradle of Democracy in the East” because this church served as the location where Filipino compatriots wrote up and approved Malolos Constitution and initiated first Philippine Republic. Today it stands as a monument of Philippine independence and faith in God.
Architecture-wise, its mix of Baroque and Neoclassical styles make for an engaging historic landmark. Notable features of its architecture are its curved facade and medieval bell tower.
Church is also a key tourist attraction due to being the place where two Philippine presidents took their oath of office; General Emilio Aguinaldo pledged his allegiance as leader of the First Philippine Republic to this church in 1899 while former President Joseph Estrada did the same following the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1998.
Magellan’s Cross
Magellan planted a cross on April 14, 1521 in Cebu as part of his mission to spread Roman Catholicism across the Philippines. Due to rumors of miraculous healing powers associated with it, people would chip off pieces for personal relics; to prevent this happening again, government authorities encased it with tindalo wood for protection and now displays it prominently within a chapel inside city hall in Cebu.
Magellan’s Cross has been housed in its current octagonal kiosk since 1834 when Augustinian prior Juan de Albarran constructed it along with the church and convent that are also nearby. Today it serves as a place of pilgrimage for Filipinos as well as visitors paying their respects; furthermore it stands as testament to Spanish colonization’s legacy in the Philippines.
Cagsawa Ruins
Cagsawa Ruins are all that remain of a Franciscan church built in 1724 that was destroyed during Mayon Volcanic Eruption of 1814 and are now an attraction in Albay Province as a popular tourist destination.
Not only is Malolos one of the Philippines’ most beautiful spots, it is also a significant historical landmark. Emilio Aguinaldo held his First Malolos Congress there as part of his efforts against Spanish rule.
Travel to this site to gain an appreciation of Filipino’s fierce desire for independence, learn more about its rich culture, and gain insight into their struggles for freedom. Furthermore, this location serves as a major draw for tourists and travelers from around the globe.
Biak na Bato National Park
Many historic sites across the country feature stories dating back hundreds or even thousands of years, such as Bulacan’s Tabon Caves where archaeology experts have discovered Neolithic Age remains.
Barasoain Church was an essential site in the Philippine revolution against Spain. It served as headquarters of illustrados and hosted the First Philippine Congress; furthermore, its dungeon has become one of the country’s most haunting reminders from their long fight for independence.
Corregidor Island is another key historical destination, where visitors can visit a memorial dedicated to Philippine troops killed while fighting Japanese invaders during World War II and find a White Memorial Cross that honors our heroes’ heroic contributions.
