History and Evolution of Manila City Hall – From Wood to Masonry to Modernization

Manila City Hall (wooden)

Edgar Bourne

The Manila City Hall during the Spanish colonial period was originally constructed in 1583 and was made of wood. It was located in the same spot where it stands today, at the corner of Padre Burgos Avenue and Taft Avenue. The wooden structure was rebuilt two more times, once in 1651 and another in 1766, due to fires that destroyed the building.

In 1872, the Manila City Hall was rebuilt and was designed by Spanish architect Antonio Toledo. The new building was made of masonry instead of wood but retained its original location. It underwent several renovations and improvements throughout the years, including the addition of neoclassical architectural elements in the early 1900s.

In 1945, the building was severely damaged during the Battle of Manila in World War II. It underwent another major renovation in the late 1940s, which included the addition of two new wings and a clock tower.

Today, the Manila City Hall still stands in the same spot, but has undergone several more renovations and improvements over the years. The current building, which was completed in 2020, features a modern and more efficient design.

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