Rethinking Intramuros: Threats, Values, and Possibilities in Modern Philippines

Abstract

Intramuros, a walled historic Spanish urban landscape in the Philippines, is located at the
heart of Metro Manila. Like most of the developing countries in Asia, Intramuros has faced
serious confl icts between urban development and cultural preservation. This paper illustrates the full
range of threats to Intramuros, including both natural and human factors, and reexamines the value
of Intramuros in the Filipino context. According to these discussions, several recommendations will
be given. Furthermore, the basic restoration policy of Intramuros will be questioned. The author calls
for applying a wider interpretation to the cultural heritage management of the site.