Ateneo de Manila University

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Established in 1859 by the Society of Jesus, Ateneo de Manila University has witnessed a fascinating evolution. Ateneo de Manila University initially began as a small private school in Manila. It was originally called the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. The Jesuits, having returned to the Philippines in the 19th century after their expulsion from Spanish lands, took on the task of managing this school. The Ateneo de Manila University holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Jesuit-administered institutions of higher education in the Asia-Pacific. The university’s journey has been marked by several relocations. A fire in 1932 destroyed the original Intramuros campus, prompting a move to Ermita. The Battle of Manila in 1945 caused further destruction. This led to the final move to the present Loyola Heights campus in Quezon City in 1954. The former Ermita site now houses Robinsons Manila. Ateneo de Manila University has played a significant role in Philippine history. Students actively participated in protests against the Marcos dictatorship and the 1986 People Power Revolution. In 1969, Fr. Pacífico Ortiz, SJ, became Ateneo de Manila’s first Filipino president. A significant change occurred in 1973 when women were first admitted to the college. The university has also been a pioneer in academic developments. In 1991, the Ateneo Law School became the first in the Philippines to offer the Juris Doctor degree. In recent years, Ateneo de Manila University has continued to grow and innovate. It established the School of Government in 1996 and opened a new campus in Rockwell Center in 1998. The university has also demonstrated a commitment to social action, exemplified by its partnership with Gawad Kalinga. Ateneo de Manila University stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to education. From its humble beginnings to its present status as a leading Philippine university, the Ateneo de Manila University continues to shape the future of the nation.

After discovering the story of Ateneo de Manila University in Manila, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Manila while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Manila. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Manila directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Manila. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Manila. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Manila with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

More Places in Manila

Luis Gonzaga

“Have you ever felt the cool embrace of concrete on a sweltering Manila day?” The Capitan Luis Gonzaga Building stands

Explore

Corazon de Jesus

Did you know that the heart of a celebrated Filipino poet beats on in this very spot? We’re standing where

Explore

M. Lopez Flyover

Above us soars the M. Lopez Flyover a concrete giant silently watching over Manila’s bustling streets. This isn’t just any

Explore