6 Historical Places In the Philippines That You Should Visit

When advertising homes for sale in Tagaytay or anywhere in the Philippines, one of the things they try to do to get you to buy the house is promoting the local tourist spot. The country is known for its beaches and its warm weather, but the Philippines is also full of history and rich in culture, though in much of it, the people struggled to find freedom and identity.

To represent the Philippines’ triumph against the colonizers, here are some of the historical places you should visit.

Rizal Park

This park is also known simply as Luneta, or Luneta Park, or Luneta National park, is located in Roxas Boulevard in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It’s a major tourist attraction and is a considered a leisure spot for many families. Rizal Park is where the national hero, Jose Rizal, was executed on 30th December, 1896. This was what sparked the revolution against Spain. This is also where the declaration of independence from the United States was held on 4th July, 1946.

Intramuros

Intramuros, which is Spanish for ‘within the walls,’ is also known as the Walled City of Manila. During the Spanish period, it was the capital and represented Manila itself. It was where the people on seats of power resided. It’s full of Spanish influence and you can almost imagine the people of old walking through its streets. It’s a perfect place for photographers and history buffs.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is what protected Intramuros. What attracts people there is the replica of the prison cell Jose Rizal stayed in before he was executed in what is now the Rizal Park. In the fort are dark hallways of dungeons, but the rest of the fort is now a beautiful garden.

Banaue Rice Terraces

The rice terraces is considered the eighth wonder of the world. It was made by the indigenous people who carved the stairs into the mountain about 2000 years ago with only their hands and primitive equipment. Rice and vegetables are still planted in the terraces by the locals. Tourists also visit the Ifugaos themselves, not only the terraces. The witch doctors of the tribes perform some spiritual healing rituals on the tourists, too.

Mactan Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to Lapu-Lapu, who defeated Ferdinand Magellan when he tried to introduce Christianity to the locals of Cebu. It’s also called Liberty Shrine, and the monument was erected in the very spot where the battle happened.

Barasoain Church

The church is the most important religious building in the country since many of the milestones of the Philippines took place there. It was constructed and founded in 1859 by Augustinian Missionaries. The Malolos Congress used it as a session hall during the presidency of Pedro Paterno. It was also where the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated. What attracts tourists and visitors to the church is its architecture and medieval look.

Beaches aren’t the only thing that’s more fun in the Philippines, or what’s best about the country. History is around, and the best is even in the capital itself. Why not visit them?

Laurel Santos is a 24 year old grown up woman whose kid at heart. She lives in the city and works as a freelance photographer. She also manages a small pet shop inside their village. She loves traveling so much because she believes that one should not just die staying in without exploring the world.  She got a big heart for animals especially those stray dogs. Despite her busy schedule she always finds time to do one thing that she is very passionate about which is writing.