Rizal Shrine is Fort Santiago’s centerpiece inside the walled city or “Intramuros” in Manila. This shrine is dedicated to the life and works of Jose P. Rizal. Historical accounts say that it is in this edifice that Rizal was imprisoned from 3 November to 29 December 1896.
The shrine is open every day of the week. But since we went there on a Monday morning, we still have to wait until 1:00 p.m. before we were allowed to go inside the shrine.
The Philippine National Hero spent his last night here and this is where he wrote his famous and last poem – “Mi Ultimo Adios”. It is unbelievable that a person who is about to be executed at the very first light of dawn would still have the serenity of mind to write a poem.
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| O Sei San |
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| Leonor Rivera |
At this shrine, some of Rizal's clothes and early reprints or editions of his famous novels including his relic are in display. Visitors can also see sculptures made by Rizal and other memorabilia.
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| Rizal's Relic and at the far back is his one of his clothes. |
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| Early reprint or edition of his novel |
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| Visitors reading the writings on the floor of the shrine about Rizal's Life |
Rizal's cell is also called the "Contemplation Room". As I look into this room, various thoughts come to my mind. It is like actually seeing him on his very last night.
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