Description of the attraction
The Ermita area, located between the ancient Intramuros area and the Malate area in Manila, was founded in the late 16th century. The name comes from the Spanish word "la hermita", which means "a hermit's shelter", because once a monastery was built here, in which the icon of the Virgin Mary was kept. Over time, the monastery turned into the Hermit Church, which was rebuilt several times. During the American colonial period, the Hermita area was given a new lease of life - it became known as the university area, which houses the campuses of the University of the Philippines, the University of Ateneo de Manila, the women's college of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Paul's College for girls. Dormitories for students are also located here. The residential part of the area was populated by the Americans, who founded the Armed Forces and Navy Officers' Club and the University Club.
During the legendary Battle of Manila in 1945, Ermita was the site of some of the worst massacres ever. The wife and four children of the future President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino, were killed here, as well as Supreme Court Justice Anacleto Diaz. Up to 85% of the territory of the Hermita was destroyed, and about 100 thousand civilian Filipinos died during this battle.
After the war, Ermita was almost completely rebuilt. University life began to bubble up in this place again. However, over the decades, Ermita began to gain fame as the "red light district" of Manila. Former Mayor Alfredo Lim has done a lot to improve this area of the city and restore its reputation. As a result of these efforts, the nightlife in Hermita began to dwindle. However, even today there are enough karaoke bars, clubs and restaurants where you can spend the night hours. And in the afternoon in Ermit you can wander around the souvenir and antique shops, stroll in the Rizal Park or look at local attractions - the building of the City Hall, the Oceanarium, etc.
