Brief History
Fort Santiago is a defense fortress built for Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador. This place was located at the mouth of Pasig River and was part of the structures of Intramuros. Fort Santiago became a witnessed to the events that happened for the last 450 years. This place was used as a fortress against the invading Moros,pirates and British invaders. This was also the place were Jose Rizal was put into prison and was sentenced to death. Fort Santiago was also used by the Japanese soldiers during WWII for POWs. A worth and a fascinating place to visit and to learn things about the history of the Philippines.
You will be amazed how it was built. The walls are 22 feet with a thickness of 8 feet and the entrance measures 40 feet high. Fort Santiago was heavily damaged by the American and Filipino mortars during the Battle of Manila against the Japanese soldiers. However, an action was taken to restore the Fort by the Philippine government during the 80’s.
Fort Santiago’s Attraction
Today, Fort Santiago serves as a museum to showcases well-preserved attractions like Plaza de Armas, Rizal Shrine,prison dungeons,and WWII artilleries. You will also see the bronze footsteps on the Fort’s ground. It represents Jose Rizal final steps that leads to his exucution site.
Aside from the historical attractions, Fort Santiago is a good site for wedding and picnics. The Fort’s ground are well kept and you will see beautiful flowers and native plants everywhere. You could also rent a calesa (horse drawn carriage) for a tour that starts at Fort Santiago and will also take you into Intramuros for a fee of Php 1000 plus. You will also see security guards dressed like a “guardia civil” of Spanish colonial rule. You can ask them to take photo with you.You will also see here restaurants that serve Filipino food, snack bars, and souvenir shop selling Filipino products.
To see more about Fort Santiago, click here.
Opening/Closing Hour and Fees
Fort Santiago is open daily, from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Entrance fee for an adult is P75, and P50 for students,teachers,children. Senior citizens are free of charge. Students, teachers and seniors should bring a valid ID to avail entrance fee discount.
How to get in Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is in Intramuros,Manila.
You can use Light Rail Transit (LRT). If you are coming to Intramuros, you drop off at the United Nations Station. From there you can take a walk to Intramuros.
You can also reached Fort Santiago through a taxi. Every taxi drivers knows this place.Taxi flag rate must be P30.
It also accessible through aJeepney with tags going to Pier 15. Tell the jeepney driver to drop you off in Front of Fort Santiago opposite of Manila Catedral.<
