Information about Paco Park

Paco Park and Cemetery

The Paco Park and Cemetery in the suburb of Paco in Manila is a beautiful and peaceful location. This rotunda church (St Pancratius) and old-fashioned gardens in the center are designed in a ring shape –in a structure with two concentrated stone walls and a promenade on the top. The bodies of the victims of the cholera epidemic of the year were assigned to the niches in the wall of Paco Cemetery, built in the year 1820.

The cemetery includes Ramon Solano y Lladeral, a former Spanish governor-general of the Philippines, and a host of the Bishops. Three priests, the Fathers José A. Burgos, Mariano C. Gomes and Jacinto R. Zamora were buried in this park for their suspected role in the Cavite Mutiny in 1872. The priests (often called Gomburza) inspired later Philippino defenders of independence such as José Rizal, and are viewed by the Philippines as martyrs. 

Dr José Rizal, the Philippines ' national hero, is also found in another corner of Paco Park. The shrine is made up of a wooden cross dated 30 December 1896 by Rizal, that is on 30 December 1896, which is the origin of the initials of his name, José P Rizal, written in reverse order, on the basis of the three letters— R P. J.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Paco Park is by riding an LRT to U.N. Station and then going to P Faura Street. Walk straight ahead until you reach San Marcelino St. then cross the street to get to Paco Park.

Best time to visit

Paco Park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday.

Entrance fee

There is a minimum entrance fee to Paco Park.