Today, the island is a popular tourist destination and
a historic monument to the battle of Corregidor,
fought by the American and Filipino forces against the invading Japanese.
Intramuros
Intramuros,
the old capital of Manila, was built in 1571 and
remains a monumental relic of the Philippines’ Spanish period.
With
crumbling walls that have survived for more than four hundred years, Intramuros
has centuries-old walls, bulwarks, and plazas.
As a tourist
destination, Intramuros both educates and entertains.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is one of the oldest
fortifications of Intramuros. Work started on the fort in 1571 and was
completed nearly 150 years later by Filipino forced labour.
The fort is
also known as the "Shrine of Freedom", in memory of the heroic
Filipinos imprisoned and killed here during the Spanish and Japanese eras. The
site is now a park and promenade housing a resident theatre company.
Malacanang Palace / Museum
Malacanang Palace is
one of the most historic and most visited structures in the Philippines.
Since 1863 it has been the official residence of the country’s President. The
palace tour focuses on all former Presidents of the Philippines and the memorabilia
associated with their respective periods of leadership.
Corregidor
Corregidor is a small island of 5 sq km where great historic events took place.
Its advantageous location made it a centre of great military importance,
especially during the Second World War.