The Walled City

The Walled City, also known as Jolo, is the capital and the smallest walled city in the world. It is located in the province of Sulu, Philippines. It was built by the Sulu Sultanate to defend against foreign invaders, such as the Spanish, the British, and the Americans. The Walled City has historical and cultural significance as it showcases the bravery and resilience of the Sulu people.

The Walled City has a rectangular shape with four gates and seven bastions. It covers an area of about 0.4 square kilometers and is surrounded by a moat. The walls are made of coral stones and lime mortar. The Walled City contains several buildings and structures, such as the Sultan's Palace, the Badjao Cemetery, the Chinese Temple, the Jolo Cathedral, and the Provincial Capitol.

The Walled City was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2000. However, the Walled City also faces some challenges due to neglect, vandalism, and urbanization. Some parts of the walls have collapsed or been demolished to give way to roads and buildings. Some of the historical and cultural artifacts have been stolen or damaged.