The Philippines have a great diversity of heritage sites. Over the centuries there have been various incidents that took place which added their essences in the culture and habitat of the nation. Currently the Philippines have 6 UNESCO world heritage. This post will take you on the ride through cultural heritage in the Philippines. And take a short look at the history of the Philippines which shaped these cultural heritage sites over centuries.
History of Philippines
Around 3000 BCE Austronesians discovered the island and settled there. By the 14th Century Philippines had established trade links with countries including- India, China, and other southeast asian countries.
1565, The year when a Portuguese explorer ‘Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’ came from New Spain. And after that America also entered in the picture and both of the countries mutually made the Philippines as their colony. The Philippines have been in the dark phase from the 15th to 19th century.
The first republic of the Philippines was led by the Filipino first general ‘Gregorio del Pilar’. But America suppressed it in 1902. Finally in 1946 the Philippines got independence after many sacrifices and efforts. However, the Philippines have had lots of massacres in the past due to colonizations but, all of this is also part of the nation and few structures from that time are World heritage sites.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines
In the Philippines there are six world heritage sites currently, marked as cultural sites and natural sites. The last addition to the list was in 2014 as the natural site ‘Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary’. Here we have mentioned the details with the name of these heritage sites.
Vigan Town
Vigan is a city known for the architecture of the Spanish colonization. The styling of the streets and houses have the essence of the European architect. With the fusion of Chinese and Filipino architecture the city has a unique identity. And currently it has 233 well preserved historic buildings. Which makes it a center of attraction for the tourist.
Baroque Churches of Philippines
Another heritage from the colonial period, Spain built four of the ‘Catholic Churches’ in various cities around the Philippines. Includes- Santa Maria, Paoay, and Miagao. Redesigned the Baroque architecture by using regional materials and making it sustainable for the climate of the country.
Rice Terraces
This world heritage sites includes four rice terraces- Banaue, Hungduan, Mayoyao and Nagacadan. These all four sites have their own characteristics like various heights and steeps. UNESCO marked it as a heritage site in danger due to lack of conservation & monitoring efforts.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Spreaded around 22,202 hectares including beautiful “karstic caves“. And the Subterranean river which flows to the sea after traveling 8.2 KM. Surrounded by the mountains and conserve biodiversity.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha reefs natural park is spreaded over 96,828 hectares and contains around 700 hundred fish species. Whales, Dolphins, sharks, Turtles and Humphead Wrasse often appear here.
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
Hamiguitan Mountain range stands above 1,637 meters above sea level. It preserves over 13,000 wild species. ‘Nepenthes’ are the center of the attraction of this wildlife Sanctuary.
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