I recently had some free time to explore Manila, with a special focus on the Spanish walled city, Intramuros. I’d always heard it described as a ‘city within a city’ that housed Asia’s oldest university, which piqued my curiosity. Stepping inside truly felt like time had slowed down. The ‘clip-clop’ of horse-drawn carriages passing by instantly transported me back several centuries to the Spanish colonial era.
The term ‘Walled City University’ that many people mention isn’t the name of a specific institution, but rather a historical concept. The most famous among these is the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Founded in 1611, it is even older than Harvard University in the United States! It is truly the oldest existing university in Asia. It’s a small shame that for expansion purposes, UST’s main campus was moved out of Intramuros in the early 20th century. Now, only a monument remains at the original site to commemorate its origins, but the profound sense of history is still palpable.
Although UST has relocated, the academic atmosphere within Intramuros remains strong. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, you’ll see energetic students in their uniforms everywhere. For instance, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran shown in the photo below is another ancient college that is still in operation today, right in the heart of the walled city. Seeing these old Baroque buildings intertwined with the young faces of today creates a wonderfully surreal feeling, like a journey through time.
If you’d like to experience this atmosphere for yourself, I’ve compiled a list of education and history-related points of interest within Intramuros. For more ideas, you might also find this article about historic Spanish universities inspiring.
Educational and Historical Sites Worth Visiting in Intramuros
| Location | Highlights |
|---|
| Original Site of the University of Santo Tomas | Historical monument; experience the origins of Asia’s oldest university |
| Colegio de San Juan de Letran | A functioning ancient college with beautiful architecture |
| Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) | The first municipal university in the Philippines, a blend of modern and historic |
| San Agustin Church/Museum | A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vast collection of precious religious art |
If you come to Manila, Intramuros is an absolute must-see, especially if you’re interested in experiences like studying at a Spanish Royal University. It’s more than just a collection of old buildings; it’s a place to truly connect with the history and cultural fabric of the Philippines. For those interested in Spanish history and culture, you’ll find much to resonate with here. Has anyone else visited Intramuros? Was it just okay for you? Or did you make any special discoveries? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
