During my tour in Intramuros, I noticed a wooden arc which looks like a cozy garden. I asked the permission to the guards to go inside that place where I paid P50.00 for the entrance fee. Then they gave me the brochure about Intramuros, map of Intramuros and the ticket about the place. As I go around the sophisticated garden, it was an overwhelming moment to see a unique fortification which is one of the oldest structures in the walled city.
Baluarte De San Diego is one of the most interesting places that I've heard in Intramuros. It is because that the circular structure which looks like a maze from above as well with the old stones used in constructing the stone fortification. It is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros and began as a circular fort called Nuestra Senora de Guia.
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| Baluarte de San Diego (Source: Google Photos) |
It was built and designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno from 1586 to 1587 which was made of wood. It was renovated in 1563 to join the walls of the city. Resembling an ace of spades,a cannon foundry and powder factory functioned near the Baluarte during the 18th century. The Baluarte was breached by British force with cannon fire in 1762. It was restored and strengthened after the British occupation where the fort was made of lime (apog) and stone. It was damaged during the earthquakes of 1863 and 1880 and condemned by the Spaniards. It was totally destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The restoration of Baluarte De San Diego began in 1979 and completed in 1992.
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| An old cannon in Baluarte De San Diego Gardens |
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| Stairs to the circular stone fortification. |
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| Baluarte De San Diego |
Today, Baluarte De San Diego is one of interesting spots in Intramuros because of its ancient and sturdy walls as well with the circular structure. In addition, the place functions as a garden for events such as weddings and seminars. The place is significant for the Walled City because of the fact that it is one of the oldest stone fortification which reflects the history of our country and the legacy leave by the Spaniards in the Philippines.
How to Get There:
You can go there via pedicab or calesa which takes you to Baluarte de San Diego Gardens. It is located in front of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Entrance fee is worth P50.00 for students and P75.00 for regular tourists. You can get a brochure, a map of Intramuros and a ticket which contains facts about the place.
Date of Travel: February 2013
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| The skyline view of buildings in Manila from Baluarte De San Diego. |
You can go there via pedicab or calesa which takes you to Baluarte de San Diego Gardens. It is located in front of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Entrance fee is worth P50.00 for students and P75.00 for regular tourists. You can get a brochure, a map of Intramuros and a ticket which contains facts about the place.
Date of Travel: February 2013
