Lost in 'Ancient Spain' in Asia

Perhaps because Intramuros, the “walled city” in the heart of the Philippine capital Manila, is unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

A peaceful corner of the ancient citadel in the heart of Manila - Photo: DNCC

Just step through the ancient city gate and you will find yourself lost in a real Spanish old town. And yes, Intramuros in Spanish means "inside the walls", built in the 16th century, once the center of power of the Spanish empire in Asia.

A corner of "old Spain" in the heart of Manila

Intramuros means "inside the walls" in Spanish. Built in the 16th century, it was once the center of Spanish power in Asia - the heart of old Manila.

For more than 400 years, the grey basalt walls, fortresses and ancient churches here have stood firm, as a testament to a long and turbulent period of history.

This antiquity will make visitors feel like they are really in Europe - Photo: DNCC

Passing through the ancient citadel gate, you feel like you are transported back in time: moss-covered basalt walls, red brick roads, the sound of kalesa horse-drawn carriages on the street, domed churches reflecting on the river - all combine to create a picture like Europe in the last century.

Impressive stops

There was once a share like this: "I thought I was in some European city. The small streets, the old roofs and the sound of church bells ringing in the morning - really made my heart slow down".

Indeed, walking in Intramuros is an experience that leaves many people "bewildered". Not only because of its ancient beauty, but also because of the feeling of time standing still.

Intramuros gives visitors a strange sense of peace - Photo: DNCC

Sunlight poured down on the mossy wall, wind blew through the old wooden door frame, and somewhere, the sound of a street artist's guitar echoed, mixed with the smell of coffee from the small shop in the corner.

Intramuros has so many stops that you should spend at least half a day exploring .

Like Fort Santiago - Manila's oldest fortress, which preserves the tragic story of national hero José Rizal or San Agustin Church - the oldest stone church in the Philippines, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Or find a more peaceful place, like Manila Cathedral - a majestic Romanesque cathedral, a religious symbol of the Philippines. Then, visit La Cathedral café - a rooftop café with a view of the bell tower, where you can spend hours just sitting and watching the sunlight change color on the ancient stone walls.

Barbara's Heritage restaurant - classic restaurant in the ancient citadel - Photo: DNCC

Finally, stop at Barbara's Heritage restaurant - an old restaurant with local-flavored dinners in a vintage space, where you can listen to music and watch traditional dances.

Where past and present meet

Outside the walls is modern, bustling Manila, while inside it is peaceful, as if time has stopped. Many couples choose this place to take wedding photos, while Western visitors call Intramuros "a corner of Seville in Southeast Asia".

Once through the city gates, everything slowed down: moss-covered stone walls, red-brick streets, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, and the church domes reflected in the Pasig River. Everything was both strange and familiar – like walking through a forgotten corner of Spain in Asia.

Peace is rarely found inside the walls - Photo: DNCC

Perhaps what tourists like about the slow journey of discovery is the sound of church bells, the smell of roasted coffee, the ancient breath coming through each window. No rush, no noise - just you and the quiet flow of time.

In particular, from this November, Vietjet has a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila with 5 round trips per week and only takes about 3 hours of flight time, very convenient if you want to travel for a short time or combine to explore more islands near Manila such as Cebu.

In addition, the cost will be more economical if you hunt for 0 VND ticket promotions between 12:00 - 14:00 every day on the Vietjet app or website. The program applies to international routes, so take advantage of setting a timer, choosing your flight in advance and hunting for 0 VND tickets, saving "quite a bit" for that trip!

D.TH.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lac-buoc-giua-tay-ban-nha-co-kinh-ngay-chau-a-2025111120352224.htm