The Rizal Monument

Rizal Park (also known as Luneta Park) is an urban and historical park located in the northern end of Roxas Boulevard, alongside Manila Bay, in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines.

Luneta has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history . Among them is the execution of Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896, sparking the fire of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers, elevating the Martyr as the national hero of the country. The park was officially renamed Rizal Park in his honor and his monument serves as the symbolic focal point of the park. The Declaration of Philippine Independence from American rule was held here on July 4, 1946 as well as the political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 that led to the EDSA Revolution deposing the dictator.

The Kilometre Zero marker of the Philippines, located on Roxas Boulevard, in front of Rizal monument, serves as the point from which road distances from Manila are measured.

Rizal Park's history began in the early 18th century during the Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area, then known as Bagumbayan (New Town) was shaped like a small moon (lunette) and thus was later named Luneta.

In the latter part of the 19th century, the place became notorious for public executions of criminals and political enemies of Spain. On February 17, 1872, three Filipino priests, Mariano Gómez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, collectively known Gomburza, were executed by garrote, accused of subversion arising from the 1872 Cavite mutiny.