Gates of Intramuros
The Gates of Intramuros refer to the original gates of the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila, built during the Spanish Colonial Era in the Philippines. The gates are called either in the original Spanish word for "gate", Puerta (plural: Puertas), or English, Gate.
Gates facing the west
Puerta de Banderas
This gate was built in 1662 as the Governor-General's gate when the first Governor's palace was still located in Fort Santiago. It was destroyed during an earthquake and was never rebuilt.
Puerta de Postigo
The gate which lead to the palaces of Governor-General and Archbishop of Manila was built in 1662. The original gate was located several meters to the left. It was renovated in 1782. The national hero of the Philippines Jose Rizal passed through this gate from Fort Santiago to his execution at Bagumbayan field on December 30, 1896. It was damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945 and restored in 1968.
Puerta de Sta. Lucia
This is one of the original entrances to the Walled City when it was built in 1603. It underwent improvements in the late 18th century and became favored as an entry point to Malecon Drive, a promenade area along the shore of Manila Bay. The gate was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945 to allow the entry of American and Philippine Commonwealth tanks into the city. It was restored in 1982.
Gate facing the south
Puerta Real
The original Real Gate (Royal Gate) was built in 1663 at the end of Calle Real de Palacio (now General Luna St.) and was used exclusively by the Governor-General for state occasions. It was located west of Baluarte de San Andres and faced the old village of Bagumbayan. It was destroyed during the British invasion of 1762 along with the removal of the village. The Puerta Real was rebuilt in 1780 and moved further west to its present location. During the Battle of Manila, the gate was damaged. It was restored in 1969 with additional work made in 1989.
Gate facing the east
Puerta de Parian
The gate was named after the "Parian de Arroceros" across the city where Chinese merchants lived. Built in 1593, it is one of the earliest entrances to Intramuros. It became the official entrance of the Governor-General in 1764, following the destruction of Puerta Real during the British invasion. It was damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Restoration was begun in 1967 and completed in 1982.
Gates facing the north
Puerta de Almacenes
It was built in 1690 for trading with the other side of the river and continually renovated until its completion in 1739. The gate Lasted until 1903 when American military engineers demolished the walls for widening the river wharves along Intramuros.
Puerta de Santo Domingo/Puerta de Aduana
This gate named after the nearby Santo Domingo Church, was built in the 18th century during the renovation of the riverside defenses. It opened to the river wharves, but the American engineers tore down the gate & fortification in 1903 to open a road to Intramuros from Magallanes Drive.
Puerta de Isabel II
The last gate to be built in Intramuros was opened in 1861. It became part of the route of the tranvía (streetcar) that started in 19th century Manila. It was damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945 and restored in 1966.
External links
Media related to Intramuros City Walls at Wikimedia Commons