Philippine E-Journals

The Archaeology of the Maestranza Site Intramuros, Manila

Angel P. Bautista

Discipline: History

 

Abstract:

Since 1978, the National Museum has assisted the Intramuros Administration(IA) in the archaeological assessment of sites that are earmarked for infrastructure development and/or reconstruction of historic structures and the walls of Intramuros. Reconstruction of structures is one of the missions of the IA. As the overseer of the development and reconstruction projects, the IA has prioritized areas that will be subjected to development and reconstruction. Among the portions of the Intramuros walls, the Maestranza site is the only space along the perimeter wall which has not yet been reconstructed. Hence, the IA requested the National Museum to provide technical assistance, specifically the archaeological excavation of the aforementioned site and analysis of materials and structures to be exposed. From May 10 to December 30, 2007, the joint team from the Cultural Properties and the Archaeology Division joined hands in the archaeological excavation. The information generated form this excavation is vital in the restoration and development of the Maestranza site.