MANILA, Philippines - An old-new landmark will soon be a premier destination in Intramuros, the old "Walled City", in Manila. The Maestranza Wall, part of the Intramuros Wall put up during the Spanish occupation, will be ready to open in January 2011 with cafes and art galleries.

The Maestranza Wall will be a venue for cafes and art galleries. Credit: Department of Tourism

Previously a storehouse and soldiers' quarters, the Maestranza Wall or Almacenes Curtain Wall dates back to the 1500s. The wall was destroyed during World War II and its ruins have since become a settlement for illegal squatters.

With the settlement cleared, work began in 2008 with archaeological excavation. Funding came from the Japanese government during the term of former Tourism Secretary and Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon.

The project costs almost P180 million and is implemented by the Department of Tourism through the Intramuros Administration.

"One of the pleasures of working for the government is to restore the grandeur of Manila. Manila was one of the most beautiful cities of Asia. This wall is for museum, historical, and tourism purposes," Gordon told reporters Wednesday at the site.

45 chambers in all

Situated right beside the Pasig River, the new Maestranza Wall has 43 chambers on one side and 2 chambers in front. The bastion stretches for about 270 meters and its chambers are made of adobe, bricks and Vigan tiles.

Adobe, bricks and Vigan tiles were used for restoring the Maestranza Wall. Credit: Department of Tourism

Restoration was spearheaded by a restoration architect guided by archival documents.

On Wednesday morning, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inspected the reconstruction work at the Maestranza Wall as well as the Baluarte de Hereiras. She was accompanied by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and Gordon.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inspects the Maestranza Wall in Intramuros with Tourism Secretary Ace Durano. Credit: Department of Tourism

Restoration work is currently 67% complete.

“In restoring the Maestranza wall, we reclaim not only our history and heritage but also chart a bold, new direction for our country’s future,” said Gordon.

“The Maestranza restoration project, as well as efforts to revitalize Intramuros, is not just about bringing our past back to life for students of history, it is also about giving livelihood to thousands who will benefit from increased tourist traffic,” he added.

Gordon is hoping the next administration will continue efforts to restore the Walled City. “The walls of Intramuros remind us that we must challenge ourselves to continuously fight to break free from the walls in our minds. With these significant points, we hope that the next administration would continue to support current efforts to restore Intramuros to its rightful place,” he said.