The famous Walled City called Intramuros situated in the historic City of Manila has always been a Mecca for local and international visitors for several years already. A place which is guaranteed to be at least on the top 5 premiere destinations on every first-time tourist’s checklist, the 64-hectare Intramuros compound, constructed in the latter 1500s, houses several historical structures such as forts, buildings, churches, plazas, schools, as well as museums.
Speaking of museums, it definitely would not be a surprise to see several of those establishments in the area. The popular ones mostly frequented by travelers are the Bahay Tsinoy, showcasing old Chinese life in the Philippines, Casa Manila, displaying the components of a typical old house owned by wealthy clans, Museo ni Rizal, housing various memorabilia connected to Jose Rizal’s life, and the San Agustin Museum, which possesses a huge collection of religious artifacts, paintings, and the like.
The Museo de Intramuros opened its doors to the public for free in 2019, before the pandemic landed on our shores. An ecclesiastical museum managed by the Intramuros Administration, the Museo de Intramuros has in its possession a large collection of various religious items.
Situated along Arzobispo corner Anda Streets inside Intramuros, the museum was once the Mission House of the Society of Jesus, which was right in front of the former site of the Ateneo de Manila where Jose Rizal once studied. Both establishments were then owned by the Jesuits.
Presently, there is now an entrance fee of Php75 for adults and Php50 for children below 18 years old, senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities, and government employees.
The air-conditioned Museo de Intramuros has a total of three floors, with the first floor containing religious artifacts such as several statues mostly of saints, a carriage utilized during processions, altar tables, baptismal fonts, and bells. In addition, tourists can also view two dug-out portions, which were parts of the original structure.
Going up towards the second floor, one can view several wooden frame-like items, paintings, chairs, tabernacles, statues, and other items used in a church.
Lastly, at the third floor, we have several photos depicting “Venerated Virgins of Intramuros and Suburbs in Present Times” as well as an array of wooden bas-reliefs, reflecting on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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