Intramuros: Guided Tours by a Historian and Academic

Discover Intramuros with a historian and academic. This immersive tour blends scholarly insight and engaging storytelling to reveal the layered histories of Manila and the Philippines.
Intramuros: A Guided Walking Tour with Historian Alvin Campomanes

Step into the heart of Old Manila on a guided walking tour of Intramuros by Mr. Alvin Campomanes, a historian and faculty member of the Department of Social Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila. Once the original city of Manila and capital of the Spanish East Indies, Intramuros holds centuries of layered history. Your journey begins at Fort Santiago, built on the site of a precolonial settlement called Maynila. The fort served as military headquarters for Spanish, British, American, and Japanese forces. Today, it houses the Rizal Shrine, a modern museum dedicated to José Rizal, the Philippines’ most venerated hero and patriot. Next, explore Plaza Roma, the main public square of Intramuros. Surrounded by the Manila Cathedral, Ayuntamiento, and Palacio del Gobernador, it was once the nerve center of Spanish religious and political authority in the colony. At the Memorare-Manila 1945 monument, pause and reflect on the devastating death toll of the Battle of Manila of 1945. Then, hop aboard a tranvia (streetcar) and soak in the unique blend of heritage and modern-day bustle. Visit the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its exquisite baroque architecture and ecclesiastical treasures, it is the lone Intramuros church that survived the Second World War. Conclude your tour at Casa Manila, a faithfully recreated 19th-century bahay na bato (stone house) that offers a glimpse into the domestic life of Manila’s colonial elite. For Filipinos, this tour offers a space for reflection, dialogue, and rediscovery of national identity. For foreign visitors, it provides a compelling introduction to the historical forces that shaped the Philippines. Whether you're a student, educator, traveler, or heritage advocate, this experience brings the past to life: vivid, human, and deeply relevant.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.