Rizal Park

Rizal Park, commonly called Luneta, is a historic urban park in the Ermita district of Manila, Philippines, established around the site where national hero José Rizal was executed in 1896. The park is one of the most visited public spaces in Manila and a focal point for national ceremonies.

The defining feature is the Rizal Monument, an obelisk and bronze statue marking the execution site and serving as a national memorial; the area around the monument functions as a plaza used for ceremonies and public gatherings. The park also includes lawns, planted areas and paths that are frequently used by residents and visitors for recreation.

The park developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a commemorative urban space; the monument itself was unveiled in the early 1900s and has since been the center of patriotic observances. Management and layout have evolved with city planning and public use over the 20th century.

Rizal Park sits in central Manila, immediately south of the historic Intramuros district and a short distance from Manila Bay. The park is within the National Capital Region and is easily reached from major transport routes and nearby city districts.

• Best times and ceremonies: Early morning and sunset are popular times for both locals and tourists, and flag‑lowering ceremonies are held at the monument on national holidays.
• Local name and access: Known locally as Luneta, the park combines open lawns, walks and landscaped gardens and is free to enter year round.

What to See #

• Rizal Monument: A central obelisk and bronze sculpture that marks the execution site of José Rizal and serves as the park's focal monument; the memorial dates to the early 20th century.