The Spanish started construction on Intramuros in 1521 as a fort to defend Manila and its Spanish inhabitants from hostile forces. The quarter square mile area is completely surrounded by present day Manila is rich in history. Fort Santiago which protected the city from Chinese Pirates and was later used to torture Japanese solders in WWII now houses a Museum. The Philippine revolutionary hero Jose Rizal was jailed there before his executed. If you purchase a guided tour in a horse drawn carriage, also called a Kalesa, get a reputable one through a tourist agency.