Cover Leeroy New’s monumental work inspired by a Spanish galleon ship hangs above the ceiling of Centro de Turismo Intramuros, located at the former site of San Ignacio Church (Photo: Carl Paolo Hernandez / Intramuros Administration)
Leeroy New’s monumental work inspired by a Spanish galleon ship hangs above the ceiling of Centro de Turismo Intramuros, located at the former site of San Ignacio Church (Photo: Carl Paolo Hernandez / Intramuros Administration)
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Centro de Turismo in Intramuros rises at the former site of San Ignacio Church, inviting people to an immersive experience into the acclaimed heritage district’s rich history, vibrant present, and sustainable future
Aimed at elevating the tourist experience inside the historic “Walled City”, Intramuros Administration recently opened its new tourism hub called Centro de Turismo Intramuros.
Located at Calle Arzobispo on the ruins of San Ignacio Church, just beside Museo de Intramuros, the centre serves as an immersive museum that gives visitors a glimpse of Intramuros’s past, present, and future. Moreover, interested individuals and private entities may opt to use this space as a dynamic events venue. With its scale, it may also serve as an amphitheatre for artistic and cultural events.
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Above First Lady Maria Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos led the launching of Centro de Turismo together with Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Intramuros Administrator Atty Joan M Padilla (Photo: Carl Paolo Fernandez / Intramuros Administration)
First Lady Maria Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos led the launching of Centro de Turismo together with Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Intramuros Administrator Atty Joan M Padilla (Photo: Carl Paolo Fernandez / Intramuros Administration)
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This restoration project was spearheaded by the Office of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Intramuros Administration, in line with their objective of advocating historical and heritage preservation.
Showcasing 8,000 artefacts, mostly ecclesiastical collections that were originally available for viewing at the Museo de Intramuros, the centre offers an immersive experience into Intramuros’s rich history, vibrant present, and sustainable future. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey through Intramuros’s pre-colonial roots, its role as a Spanish colonial centre, the devastations of the Second World War, its ongoing revitalisation, and its future development.
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In her message during the launch, First Lady Maria Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos, a champion of restoring historic sites to their old glory, said, “The Intramuros Tourist Centre symbolises our gateway to the past. It’s a celebration of rich history and a testament to our collective identity.”
The First Lady hoped Centro de Turismo would foster a deeper understanding of the past and ignite a passion for preserving our cultural treasures.
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The centre is housed at the former site of San Ignacio Church, one of Intramuros’s seven original churches renowned for its Neoclassical architecture and intricate woodwork. The church was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945.
Intramuros Administrator Atty Joan M Padilla referred to Centro de Turismo Intramuros as an embodiment of the ideals of San Ignacio (St. Ignatius), who championed education and exploration. “This centre is not just a place to visit; it is a gateway to understanding and appreciating our rich past and the dynamic possibilities of our future. We see this centre opening up new opportunities for Intramuros as a prime tourism destination,” she said.
Above Inside Centro de Intramuros
Inside Centro de Intramuros
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Centro de Turismo Intramuros operates daily from 9am to 6pm, with free entrance for all.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
