Amidst the hustle and bustle of Manila’s streets, you will find Rizal Park which is also a historical site dedicated to a national hero; here’s more on what you need to know.
Planning a Visit
Rizal Park enjoys a central location near well-known attractions in Manila such as Intramuros and the National Museum. Situated within easy reach of accommodation providers like Citadines Salcedo Makati, this site is around a 10-minute walk from the United Nations LRT Station. Ensure to stop by the park’s visitor centre to get the map with the areas of interest here.
Remembering a National Hero
The park is dedicated to and named after Dr Jose Rizal, a beloved national hero who was executed here by Spanish colonial authorities on 30th December 1896. Those visiting this site from a Manila apart’hotel, can head to the Rizal Monument that houses his remains with sentries standing guard; nearby is the spot where Dr Jose Rizal faced the firing squad, while there are bronze statues depicting his life as well.
What to Expect
Spread across an area of around 60 hectares, Rizal Park which is also known as “’Luneta” has ornamental gardens, wide open lands, tree-filled areas, and ponds. If you visit early morning, you can see people engaged in tai chi, jogging, or exercising, while popular attractions include the Chess Plaza, a three-dimensional relief map of the country and the Japanese and Chinese Gardens.
Other Highlights
One of the other highlights here is the central lagoon around which you will find busts of martyrs and heroes of the Philippines; there’s also a dancing musical fountain that comes alive with colour, music, and water in the evening. The park has an open-air auditorium where one can catch concerts, while there are food kiosks and horse-drawn carriage rides for hire on offer too.