Philippines / Metro Manila / Sightseeing / Paco Park

A very beautiful small park, a real oasis of shade, cool, and quiet within the throb-bing metropolis, is Paco Park at the multi-intersection of Padre Faura St, General Luna St, and San Marcelino St. Its romantic at-mosphere is slightly diminished by the fact that it originally was built and served as a cemetery. But still, weddings are popular there on Saturday mornings, and everyday lovers and others like to stroll in the park, atop the walls and around the pool in the center.

It was in 1807 that the construction of the cemetery was begun. The cemetery was put into use in 1820, two years before its completion. In 1859 it was enlarged. The remains of Dr. Jose Rizal were secretly in-terred there by the Spanish from his death until December 29, 1912. Most of the graves of the original cemetery were in niches within two thick concentric stone walls. Several rectangular sections have been built into the outer wall for children's graves. A circular chapel makes up a part of the inner wall.

The park is open 8:00 to 17:00 daily, entrance is 1 peso. Paco Park Presents is a regular feature on Fridays, starting at 18:00, with a variety of programs. Performances are outdoors unless it rains; then they are held in the chapel.

Some popular sights: