Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Manila
The Rizal Memorial Coliseum, situated in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, holds a significant place in Philippine sports and architecture. With seating for up to 6,100 spectators, it's a popular venue for sports and cultural events. Designed by Juan Arellano, a notable figure in Philippine architecture, it reflects the Art Deco style, particularly Streamline Moderne, showcasing early 20th-century elegance.
Originally built in 1934 on the site of the Manila Carnival Grounds, it was initially called the "Rizal Memorial Tennis Stadium" and later renamed the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. It has hosted various sporting events like the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) before relocating to larger venues. Despite damage during World War II, it was reconstructed in 1953 for the 1954 Asian Games, showing resilience. It also served as the home court for the Manila Metrostars during the inaugural season of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 1998.
Recognizing its historical significance, in April 2017, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum of the Philippines designated the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, including the Coliseum, as a National Historical Landmark and an Important Cultural Property, respectively. This ensures its preservation under the National Cultural Heritage Act, highlighting its importance in Philippine sports history and architectural heritage.
Originally built in 1934 on the site of the Manila Carnival Grounds, it was initially called the "Rizal Memorial Tennis Stadium" and later renamed the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. It has hosted various sporting events like the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) before relocating to larger venues. Despite damage during World War II, it was reconstructed in 1953 for the 1954 Asian Games, showing resilience. It also served as the home court for the Manila Metrostars during the inaugural season of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 1998.
Recognizing its historical significance, in April 2017, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum of the Philippines designated the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, including the Coliseum, as a National Historical Landmark and an Important Cultural Property, respectively. This ensures its preservation under the National Cultural Heritage Act, highlighting its importance in Philippine sports history and architectural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Manila. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Map
Sight Name: Rizal Memorial Coliseum
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Manila, Philippines
Create Your Own Walk in Manila
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manila is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Manila Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of the Philippines, Manila was officially founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. However, an organized polity, called Maynila (meaning "where indigo is found" in Tagalog), existed on the site since as early as 1258.
The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Traditional Markets
Traditional markets showcase a unique aspect of life in any city. The ones featured in this walk offer a glance into the authentic life and habits of Manila’s people and play a vital role in the Philippines' capital's economic and cultural landscape. Traditionally, local markets sell a broader range of products than regular shops can provide: from veggies and fruits to dried fish and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
International surveys have repeatedly ranked Filipinos among the world’s most religious people. The archipelago’s colonization and evangelization by the Spanish, started in 1565, has left Manila with many shrines and churches sprawled around its streets, despite the destructions by wars and natural disasters. Some of these old churches are especially attractive due to their delicate mixture of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Manila’s long history results from its situation as a natural port in a huge bay. With the Spanish conquest of the Philippines in the 16th century, it became united, along with Mexico City and Madrid, into the first truly globalised trade system. Intramuros, Manila’s old walled Spanish town, stood for 350 years before World War II came, and still houses many of the historic buildings.
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Manila Shopping: 20 Filipino Goods To Bring Home
An archipelago of 7,000+ islands, The Philippines is a diverse nation populated by different tribes, each having their own culture and traditions. In Manila, one can find a whole lot of things worth keeping as a Filipino memento; it just might take one a little while to figure out what's best...