Ermita

Ermita
District
The skyline of Ermita with Intramuros in the foreground
Location within Manila
Country	Philippines
Region	National Capital Region
City	Manila
Congressional District	5th District of Manila
Barangays	13
Area
• Total	1.59 km2 (0.61 sq mi)
Population (2010)
• Total	7,143
• Density	4,500/km2 (12,000/sq mi)

Ermita is a district in Manila, Philippines. It is a significant center of finance, education, culture and commerce. Ermita serves as the civic center of the city, bearing the seat of city government and a large portion of the area's employment, business, and entertainment activities.

Private and government offices, museums, and university thrives in Ermita. It is also the home to famous tourist attractions and landmarks, among them is the Rizal Park, the premier national park of the Philippines.

Ermita was founded in the late 16th century. Its name was taken from La Hermita, the Spanish word for "hermitage", after the fact that a Mexican hermit resided in the area and on this site was built a hermitage housing an image of the Virgin Mary known as the Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance). The hermitage has since evolved into Ermita Church, which has been rebuilt several times since the early 17th century.

Ermita gained renewed prominence during the American colonial period. It became known as the university district, containing the campuses and dormitories of the Philippine Normal University,University of the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila, Adamson University, the Assumption College and St. Paul College. The residential portion of Ermita was populated by American residents, who set up such establishments as the Army and Navy Club, and the University Club.

During the early half of the 20th century, the Ermita district as well as its adjacent district, Malate became known for the gilded mansions built by the upper classes. The richest people then lived in the two neighborhoods who are both facing the Manila Bay.