Rizal Park, also known as Luneta, is a historic urban park located in the heart of Manila and one of the most iconic landmarks in the Philippines. It honors Dr. José Rizal, the country’s national hero, whose monument stands as a symbol of patriotism and freedom. The park offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle, with expansive gardens, fountains, and open spaces for family gatherings and cultural activities. Nearby attractions include the National Museum and Intramuros, making it a perfect starting point for exploring Manila’s heritage. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual visitor, Rizal Park is a must-see destination.
It is also called Luneta (Lunette) because of its shape, and was previously called Bagumbayan. This was the place where Rizal was executed by the Spanish Colonial Forces on December 30, 1896, which sparked the fire of the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards.
The Rizal Monument
Today, the Rizal Monument is the most photographed in the Philippines, but during the Spanish rule, this place became notorious for public executions. This monument was formed through an international design competition where the first prize winner was Carlos Nicoli of Italy for his "Al Martir de Bagumbayan," but the contract was awarded to the second placer, Richard Kissling, a Swiss sculptor, for his "Motto Stella."
Near the Rizal Monument is a spot where the Philippine national hero was executed. According to the plate, Jose Rizal y Mercado, Filipino Physician, Propagandist, Writer, and patriot, was executed within these hallowed grounds at exactly 7:03 in the morning of December 30, 1896, by an eight-man squad of Filipino riflemen from the 70th infantry regiment. The Magallanes of the Spanish Colonial Army. Those who witnessed Rizal's public execution included Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade, his legal defender during his trial for alleged treason against Spain, and the two Jesuit priests, Fr. Jose Villaclara, S.J., and Fr. Estanislao March, S.J., who accompanied Rizal during his final walk before his execution. Rizal's martyrdom fanned the flames of the Filipino Revolution of 1896 and inspired the Filipinos in their resolute and epic fight for freedom.
On this spot on February 17, 1892, fathers Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora were executed for alleged complicity with the military uprising in Cavite on January 20, 1872. They were executed by strangulation, a vile device consisting of an iron collar that the executioner tightened slowly until the martyrs met death.
On the other hand, the Chinese Garden is situated as one of the tourist spots, attractions, and destinations in Rizal Park, Manila. This garden can give you an amazing feeling of what's inside a typical Chinese park. I was searching for the National Museum Planetarium, but Google Maps gave me an idea about this place. When I saw its entrance, I was amazed by the artistic and colorful gate, with Chinese characters. Read the garden travel guide here.
Just a few days ago, the National Museum Planetarium opened its doors to the public for FREE until April 30, 2017, so money is not a problem to see and appreciate the wealth inside its dome. By the way, there are daily presentations showing facts about planets, satellites, stars, the sun, the Milky Way, galaxies, the solar system, and many other things about space.
Rizal Park is the perfect place for unwinding, picnics, jogging, family bonding, and meeting other people. There are photographers strolling in the park, and stores selling food and beverages. After dark, one of the must-sees is the colorful and stunning fountain show, and sometimes there are concerts at the open-air auditorium.
If you're looking for another spot to visit, you can take a photo with the huge Lapu-Lapu monument in the background. Also, just on the sides are the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Art. These branches of the National Museum of the Philippines have FREE Admission.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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