Most Visited Monuments in Philippines l Famous Monuments in Philippines

If you are looking to explore the history of the Philippines through the ages there are a number of historical monuments in the Philippines including the time-honored buildings, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of the Philippines. The presence of these monuments and museums will take you on a walk through the Philippines’s rich history. If you are willing to have in-depth historical information about the Philippines, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of important monuments in Philippines for a great trip:

List of Monuments in Philippines

1. Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro in Cebu City, the Philippines built by the Spaniards under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565, Fort San Pedro in Cebu City is the oldest fort in the Philippines. It is located near the port area of Cebu, in an area now called Plaza Independencia. This important monument in the Philippines houses a museum where you can find significant memorabilia, documents, and paintings highlighting the beginnings of Spanish rule in the Philippines. As Cebu is becoming a highly urbanized metropolis, a trip to Fort San Pedro will make you realize that it’s a peaceful oasis in the city.

Address: Fort San Pedro, Cebu

2. Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque

The Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, is the oldest monument in the Philippines declared as a National Cultural Treasure. Arab trader Sheik Makdum Karim built this mosque in 1380 that features pillars, made of Ipil hardwood, known to be some of the oldest Islamic artifacts in the entire country. Islamic architecture and style are also popular for its intricate designs. A visit to this historical place gives you a glimpse of the colorful and rich Islamic culture that is prominent in the southern parts of the Philippines.

Address: Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque, Tawi-Tawi

Read More: Monuments in Hungary

3. Dr. Pio Valenzuela Ancestral Residence

The city got its name from one of its great sons, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a young medical doctor and the leader of the Philippine revolutionary movement, the Katipunan. Dr. Valenzuela was born and raised in this town, which was formerly called Polo. According to the history books, Valenzuela was part of the triumvirate that led the movement, which included Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto. Valenzuela was in charge of the revolutionary publication “Ang Kalayaan” where he wrote several articles under his nom de plume. The house where he lived and died still stands to this day, on Veliilla Street in the village of Pariancillo Villa. Visitors, however, may be limited to view this most popular monument in the Philippines from the street as the premises are off-limits to the public.

Address: Velilla Street, Pariancillo Villa, Valenzuela, Metro Manila

4. Leyte Landing Memorial Park

The Leyte Landing Memorial Park or also known as the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo, Leyte marks the site of General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines to fulfill his promise to the Filipinos in helping free the country from Japanese forces. His now-immortal remark “I shall return.” was fulfilled on October 20, 1944, which commenced the largest naval battle of World War II. Bronze statues made by sculptor Anastacio Caedo were installed in this popular historical landmark in Philippines to commemorate his historic landing. 

Suggested: Most Popular Summer Festivals in Philippines

5. San Diego de Alcala Church

The ruins of San Diego de Alcala Church, completed in 1632. The first Catholic church that was established in the city is the San Diego de Alcala Church, through the efforts of Father Juan Taranco and the barangay head of Polo, Don Juan Monsod. This important landmark in the Philippines was completed in 1632, which makes the church almost four centuries old. During the Japanese occupation, the church was destroyed by bombs, but the bell tower and a part of the front entrance remained. To this day, the belfry and the arched entrance serves as a reminder of the grand church that stood here. A new church was built next to the ruins.

Address: 098 M.H. Del Pilar Road, Poblacion, Polo, Valenzuela City

6. Museo Valenzuela

The Museo Valenzuela is said to be the first museum established in the city. This cultural monument in Philippines features a permanent exhibit of memorabilia from Dr. Pio Valenzuela’s life, as well as a doll diorama of important life events of the town’s son. Aside from this, the museum also serves as a venue for cultural and artistic events in the city, such as the yearly arts festival and seminars on history teaching. The museum is open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm.

Address: Fatima Avenue, Marulas, Valenzuela

Read more: Hungary Best Eateries

7. Sandugo Shrine

Sandugo Shrine, also known as the Blood Compact Monument in Tagbilaran, BoholIn 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna performed a blood compact, a tribal tradition that seals friendships. The historic building in Philippines marked the first treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. A bronze sculpture by National Artist Napoleon Abueva marks Sandugo Shrine, frequented by many tourists who come to Bohol, an island full of natural wonders such as the Chocolate Hills, Panglao Beach, and the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier. 

Address: Sandugo Shrine, Bohol, 

8. Martyrs Monument

The 13 Martyrs Monument was established to honor Filipino Katipuneros who were executed by the Spanish during the Philippine Revolution. Alfonso de Ocampo, Maximo Gregorio, Maximo Inocencio, Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario, Victoriano Luciano III, Francisco Osorio, Hugo Perez, Antonio San Agustin,  Luis Aguado, Eugenio Cabebes, Feliciano Cabuco, and Agapito Conchu are the honored patriots. This national monument in Philippines is easily seen along the Governor’s Drive, after the Manggahan crossing at General Trias Cavite.

Address: Trece Martirez City Hall, Cavite City, Luzon

9. Jose Rizal Shrine

Down south of the Philippines is where you will find the Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape, located in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. More commonly known as the Rizal Shrine, this area is where national hero Jose P. Rizal spent four years of exile when he was accused of planning the revolution against Spanish rule.  One of its most significant famous landmarks is the “Mi Retiro Rock” where Rizal spent time watching sunsets and where he penned one of his most beautiful poems w, Mi Retiro. Nearby this famous monument in the Philippines, you will get  Dakak Park and Beach Resort.

Address: Jose Rizal Shrine, Dapitan, Philippines.

10. San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish (Baler Church)

The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish also called Baler Church, is in Aurora, Philippines. Frequented by many locals and tourists for its surf-perfect waves, Baler is also a town packed with a lot of history. The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish, or more commonly known as Baler Church, was built in 1611 and is the site of the “Siege of Baler”, a battle during the Philippine Revolution. Even after the declaration of Philippine independence, the Spanish fortified the church as a military post until they finally surrendered in 1899. It is said that the structure of this religious monument in Philippines was made from stones plastered by lime and honey.

Address: San Luis Street, Barangay Buhangin, Baler, 3200, Philippines

Read more: Things to do in Hungary

9. Imus Cathedral

The Imus Cathedral is the seat of the bishop of the Dioces of Imus and its patroness is Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Seniora del Pilar). The structure of this ancient monument in Philippines is beautifully baroque, made of bricks and tuff stone. The city’s patron, on the other hand, is St. John the Baptist. Every year in October, the city’s fiesta is celebrated and within the cathedral’s grounds, a traditional dance procession called the Karakol is held. The Cathedral is significant to the country, especially once the National Historic Institute placed the historical marker there in the year 2006. The Cathedral is located at Imus, Cavite.

Address: General Castañeda St, Imus, 4103 Cavite

10. Mactan Shrine

Built-in honor of Cebu Island’s first hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Mactan Shrine history is one of the most significant moments in the Philippines’ past. This iconic monument in Philippines was erected in what is known to be the site of the Battle of Mactan when the native leader defeated explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. While it mainly features a 20-meter bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu, a shrine for Magellan was also built, honoring him for bringing Christianity to the Philippines. 

Address: Mactan Shrine, Cebu.

11. Binondo

Eat your way through history as you visit what is renowned to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo. Even before it was established in the1954 as a Spanish settlement, Binondo was already the heart of Chinese commerce and trade in the country. Browse Binondo tours that you can join to explore the oldest Chinatown. Today, a famous historical landmark in Philippines is best enjoyed as a food tour destination in Manila, where you can sample signature fried chicken, fried siopao, noodle soups, and the most authentic dim sum you can ever find in the entire metro.

Address: Binondo, Manila

12. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, having been colonized by Spain who brought Catholicism to the islands. One interesting sub-group within the Catholic Church is the Marian devotees or devotees of the Virgin Mary. In Valenzuela, the important place for Marian devotees is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. This best monument in Philippines houses one of the original images of Our Lady of Fatima blessed by Pope Paul VI. Thus, the church is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics.

Address: MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City

Discover:  Why Agra is Famous

13. EDSA Shrine

Its original name is The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA, but is more commonly known for its short name as it was built to remember the 1986 People Power Revolution that took place in the streets of Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue or EDSA. The revolution saw the ousting of then-President Ferdinand Marcos, who took the country under Martial Law. The most distinguishing feature of this sacred monument in Philippines is a towering sculpture of the Virgin Mary atop the shrine’s church. 

Address: EDSA Shrine, Quezon City

14. The Ruins in Talisay

A testament of a husband’s love, The Ruins in Talisay, Negros Occidental was a mansion originally built by Don Mariano Lacson in honor of his late wife, Maria Braga. Inspired by Italian architecture featuring Machuca-tiled floors and neoclassical pillars, the mansion was burned down by Filipino guerillas during World War II. The ruins of this site remain a beautiful sight and have become a famous tourist spot included in a Bacolod sightseeing tour. Driving towards this beautiful monument in Philippines takes you through vast sugarcane plantations, which the province of Negros is known for.

Address: The Ruins, Talisay, Negros Occidental

15. Arkong Bato (Stone Arch)

Arkong Bato means “stone arch,” this monument of Philippines marks the boundary of the city with another city, Malabon. When it was built in 1910, during the American colonial period, this was still part of the national road that passed through the town of Polo (the old name of Valenzuela). During that period, Malabon was part of the Rizal province but Polo was still part of Bulacan province. Now, it connects MacArthur Highway with the nearest expressway out of Metro Manila.

Address: MacArthur Highway, Valenzuela City

So far we have discussed the best monuments in Philippines, which contains the proper information regarding all the So far we have discussed the best monuments in Philippines, which contains the proper information regarding all the top monuments in Philippines. I hope you might have loved reading this article and if you love to know more about the Philippines then kindly head to our other articles as well which will help you to get knowledge about the Philippines.

The post Most Visited Monuments in Philippines l Famous Monuments in Philippines appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel.