MANILA - FEB 14: Jose Rizal Monument on 14 Feb, 14 in Manila. The monument dedicated for Jose Rezal, he is widely considered the greatest national hero of the Philippines.; Shutterstock ID 181608902; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: Digital Content/Sights

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Rizal Monument

Top choice in Manila


Fronted by a 46m flagpole and guarded by sentries in full regalia, the Rizal Monument contains national hero José Rizal’s mortal remains and stands as a symbol of Philippine nationhood.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Manila attractions

1. Site of Rizal’s Execution

0.06 MILES

At the entrance to the site of Rizal’s execution is a black granite wall inscribed with Rizal’s ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’ (My Last Farewell). Eight tableaux of…

2. Open-Air Auditorium

0.14 MILES

The long-running Concert at the Park takes place at this open-air auditorium near the Central Lagoon in Rizal Park; it’s free and starts at around 6pm on…

3. Central Lagoon & Fountains

0.14 MILES

In the middle of Rizal Park are the Central Lagoon, a pool lined with busts of Filipino heroes and martyrs, and a dancing musical fountain that erupts in…

4. Museo Pambata

0.18 MILES

This charming children's museum is near Rizal Park. Its interactive, hands-on exhibits explore Manila through the eyes of kids. Efforts are made to bring…

5. National Planetarium

0.19 MILES

The long-moribund National Planetarium was reopened in early 2017. Major upgrades include a Japanese–built projector and new blue seats in its central…

6. Chess Plaza

0.19 MILES

A shady spot in Rizal Park where regulars test each other and look for new blood with shouts to visitors of ‘Hey Joe, do you play chess?’.

7. Rizal Park

0.2 MILES

Still widely known as 'Luneta' (its name until the 1950s), Manila’s iconic central park is spread out over some 60 hectares of open lawns, ornamental…

8. Quirino Grandstand

0.24 MILES

This is where Philippine presidents take their oath of office and deliver their first address to the nation. It's at the western end of Rizal Park.