September 20, 2009

Spanish courtyard

Plaza San Luis in Intramuros is a small courtyard in the middle of a reproduction of a 19th century Spanish mansion. Fountains became a feature of these grand homes when running water came to Manila in 1882. During the Spanish colonial era, the entire complex would have belonged to one wealthy family with living quarters for their servants, a garage for a carriage or two and storage rooms. Today, the Plaza San Luis complex is a mix of cultural and commercial establishments. It has a small art gallery and souvenir shop, and the restaurant Barbara's, popular as a wedding reception venue for those who get married in the Manila Cathedral or San Agustin Church, is on the third floor and roofdeck. A large part of the building is occupied by Casa Manila, a colonial lifestyle museum which recreates a home of the privileged class of the era. It's a must-see for anyone interested in antiques, home design or the history of Manila.

Plaza San Luis in Intramuros, Manila

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Scenic Sunday

26 comments:

Sachin said...

Great Picture....

Amit Gupta said...

looks like a very soothing place....

Anonymous said...

Beautiful setting. It reminds me that some see ghosts walking in such nice places. I wonder if you did?

Elaine Yim said...

This reminds me of the houses of the rich and famous of a bygone era.

Rob Siemann said...

Looks very Spanish indeed, could be anywhere in southern Spain, Sevilla, Cordoba...

eileeninmd said...

It is a gorgeous courtyard and building. I love the stonework and the greenery and the fountain is just fantastic. Thank you for sharing your lovely place on Scenic Sunday.

Gemma Wiseman said...

That secluded fountain courtyard looks so romantically beautiful!

James said...

It's hard to imagine living in such a grand place. It must have cost a fortune to maintain. Nice post Hilda.

Ming1881 said...

Beautiful photo Hilda. Lot's of history behind the mansion.

Ming
www.singaporedailyphoto.com

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Nice courtyard. This looks like a nice spot for a wedding too.

Halcyon said...

This is a beautiful courtyard.

Lowell said...

My goodness...what a beautiful place! It's hard to imagine one family owning all this and living here...

I think I like the idea of shops and art galleries, etc., better. A fun place to visit, right?

Must say, too, that I like your photo very much; so well composed and sharp!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous and imposing! Love it!

George said...

This sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I certainly like the fountain in the courtyard.

VP said...

Great image of a beautiful place. Any idea is good to maintain and keep open such a venue, they probably found the right mix!

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful, Hilda. It's so important to maintain examples of the past for future generations.

Sharon said...

What a beautiful courtyard!

Don and Krise said...

Good grief that is pretty. I'd love to take a tour of that place.

Mirela said...

Wonderful place! It looks very peaceful... Great photo!!!

Copenhagen said...

That is one beautiful courtyard that I love.

Lois said...

It's lovely!

penny said...

Lovely photo, Hilda...I would enjoy a meal at the restaurant after touring this wonderful mansion and shops.

AB said...

It looks, for all the world, like a courtyard on the Iberian Peninsula.

escape said...

great framing. as i always say, you're really good at taking photos of structures.

Jerez Sherry said...

I would love visiting your Manila! I can feel it beating my heart!

prashant said...

Beautiful setting. It reminds me that some see ghosts walking in such nice places.
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