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dapitan city
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

The Rizal Shrine
This is the major historical landmark of the city. It is the original estate of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal which he acquired by purchase during his exile in Dapitan from 1892 to 1896. The Rizal Shrine is approximately two kilometers from the Dapitan City Hall. Its land area has been considerably restored to its original size of 16 hectares with the reclamation of 10,974 square meters. The different structures that may be found at the Shrine are the following:

historical attractions

natural scenic spots

local festivities

recreation facilities

dining/entertainment

convention facilities

support services

*Casa Cuadrada* This is the main house which served as Rizal's residence together with members of his family who came to visit him every so often. It has been faithfully reconstructed with its original light native materials.		*The Aqueduct* A reservoir which served as a good water system. Bamboo tubes were used to connect the diversion canal to the kitchen and lavatory. The original dam still exists today.
*Casa Redonda* This is an octagonal dwelling which served as quarters for Rizal's pupils. It was later converted to a clinic and it was here where George Taufer, the foster father of Josephine Bracken, was operated on his eye.		*Mi Retiro Rock* This is a natural heart-shaped rock so called because it was here that Rizal inscribed the beautiful verses of his poem "Mi Retiro" and "Himno a Talisay." It is also known as Batong Lumayag as it appears to be afloat during high tide. Presently, it is within an artificial lagoon.
*Casa Redonda Pequeña* A hexagonal structure which served as a chicken house.		*Amphitheater* An open-air auditorium with a seating capacity of 500 which was constructed beyond the *Mi Retiro Rock*.
*Casitas Hospitales* There are two of these structures which were originally intended as tea houses which Rizal converted into clinics to accommodate patients from far-flung municipalities.		*The Rizaliana* A modern concrete building constructed in 1972 which houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals, and other historical exhibits. Part of it also serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine curator.

Relief Map of Mindanao
Across the St. James Church is a giant map of Mindanao on a total land area of roughly 900 square meters done by Dr. Jose Rizal with the assistance of Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, S.J. It was intended as a motivating device for teaching history and geography to townsfolk. At the same time, it contributed to the beautification of the town plaza. It is of great interest to recall that Fr. Sanchez was Rizal's favorite teacher in Greek and Latin classics in the Ateneo. Sanchez arrived in Dapitan in August 1892 upon instructions from Spanish church authorities to convince Rizal to return to the Catholic faith. Rizal refused but he and Fr. Sanchez remained good friends until his execution at Bagumbayan Field.
The City Plaza
The present City Plaza which has an area of more or less one hectare (2.711 acres) is the very same plaza which Dr. Jose Rizal developed and beautified with the assistance of Gov. Ricardo Carcinero. His plan was to beautify it and make it comparable to the ones he saw in Europe. Rizal provided the lighting system for the area by placing tree trunks on each of which was hung a coconut oil lamp -- all at the cost of P500 given to him by an English patient whose sight he had restored through a surgical operation.
Ilihan Hill
To protect thriving settlements from foreign invasions, the Spanish government constructed military fortresses. One of those was "Fort de Dapitan" which was established in 1762. The fort was strategically constructed on top of Ilihan Hill which is located in the poblacion overlooking Dapitan Bay. A stone wall was built along its slopes and a guard house with mounted cannons fortified it. Relics of this ancient military fortress are still visible. Two cannons taken from the fortress have been installed at the city Plaza across the Dapitan City Hall.
Catholic Rectory and St. James Church
A lasting heritage and symbol of the Christianization of the region and the locality. St. James Church and the Catholic Rectory are two edifices that have withstood the test of time and the elements. Over the years, the old Spanish masonry and architecture are still recognizable. The facades and materials of these buildings are living evidence of their cultural and historical significance.
Sta. Cruz Beach
Sta. Cruz Beach -- Two significant dates in history claim this beach as the point of debarkation. When Fr. Pascual Acuña, S.J., arrived in Dapitan in 1607 and baptized the natives, he brought with him the Cross, the symbol of Christianity, and first touched land at Sta. Cruz Beach. It was on the same spot centuries later where Dr. Jose Rizal disembarked from the S.S. Cebu as an exile destined to spend about 4 fruitful and productive years in a place which now is a shrine to his martyrdom.

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