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Tracing Greatness: 5 Historical Sites That Commemorate Rizal

Dr. Jose Rizal is one of the most recognizable names in Philippine history. His persona remains relevant to this day and these destinations are proof of his pervading influence.

Trace his roots by visiting some of these shrines and museums that commemorate his greatness:

Rizal Shrine, Calamba

Rizal Shrine Marker

Rizal Shrine is located in the birthplace of Rizal. Here, you can learn about his childhood memories and some of his trips in Europe. The ‘Bahay na Bato’ or replica of his home is one of the main attractions of the shrine.

The Bahay na Bato house of Mercado-Rizal Family

The shrine’s lawn is where you can visit the remains of Rizal’s parents, Teodora and Francisco, as well as the statues of young Rizal and his dog Verguenza created to commemorate Rizal’s centennial death anniversary.

Address: Francisco Mercado St. cor. Jose P. Rizal St., Brgy. 5, Poblacion, Calamba, Laguna

Rizal Monument, Calamba

Rizal Monument- Calamba

The monument was created to commemorate the 150th birthday of Rizal and is the second tallest Rizal statue in the world, which stands at 43 feet. The statue depicts Rizal holding a book in his right hand. The height of the statue symbolizes the 22 dialects and languages he can speak and the 15-step stairway represents 15 decades.

Address: The Plaza, Calamba, Laguna

Rizal Park

Rizal Monument Luneta

Luneta Park is one of the most iconic places in the country. Known as the place where Rizal was executed by firing squad, it features the hero’s monument that stands at 42 feet. Beside the monument is a black granite wall inscribed with Rizal’s ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’ (My Last Farewell) and tableaux statues made of bronze portraying his last moments.

Address: Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila

Dapitan

Photo from Wikipedia by Ric Canizares

The Rizal Park and Shrine or Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape is where José Rizal was exiled from 1892-1896. At present, this site includes Rizaliana Museum, statues of Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt, and letters and clothes of Rizal. There’s also a collection of reconstructed nipa huts originally built by Rizal: Casa Residencia, which served as Rizal’s residence where his mother and sisters also stayed during their visit; Casa Redonda that served as quarters of Rizal’s students; Casa Cuadrada, which served as workshop and secondary dormitory for Rizal’s students; and Casitas de Salud, which served as health houses.

Photo from Wikipedia by Ric Canizares
Address: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Fort Santiago

800px-Fort_Santiago_Gate

Fort Santiago inside Intramuros is where Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896. Today, Fort Santiago is a national park that showcases ruins and houses some of Rizal’s memorabilia. There are foot-marks imprinted on the ground of Fort Santiago tracing the marks of Rizal’s final walk from his cell to the site of his execution.

Address: Intramuros, Manila