Fort Santiago, Manila (must see)
Fort Santiago is an important, historic structure in the walled city of Manila, Intramuros. Five flags have flown over the fort since its construction in 1593.
Fort Santiago was named for the patron saint of Spain, Saint James. Its purpose was to defend the Spanish government while it ruled the Philippines. In particular, Fort Santiago served as defense for the spice trading ships that traveled between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico.
Briefly, during the Battle of Manila, British occupying forces took over Fort Santiago. The fort served as the base of operations for the British Royal Navy from 1762 through 1764. When a ceasefire was declared, the fort reverted into Spanish control.
The Philippine-American War took place from February 1899 through July 1902. The United States overtook the fort, which then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Philippines.
The fort was captured by Japanese forces during World War II. It was used to house prisoners of war, hundreds of whom died in the dungeons as they succumbed to suffocation and hunger.
Fort Santiago has been under Philippine control since the country gained its independence in 1946. It was declared a shrine of freedom in 1950 and was restored shortly thereafter. It is now part of a historic park that recognizes the rich and sometimes tragic history of the country.
Visitors are welcome to explore the interior and exterior of the fort. The dungeon is a particularly somber experience where visitors can honor those who perished. A marble cross in the dungeon signifies the mass grave where 600 prisoners of war were buried.
Fort Santiago is located near many other important landmarks in Manila. Visitors can easily add this must-see spot to their walking tour of the city.
Why You Should Visit:
- To witness one of the most important sites in the Philippines
- To pay honor to those who died in the dungeons of the fort
Tips:
Fort Santiago is open daily from 8 AM through 6 PM. The dungeon is open from 2 PM through 10 PM.
Fort Santiago was named for the patron saint of Spain, Saint James. Its purpose was to defend the Spanish government while it ruled the Philippines. In particular, Fort Santiago served as defense for the spice trading ships that traveled between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico.
Briefly, during the Battle of Manila, British occupying forces took over Fort Santiago. The fort served as the base of operations for the British Royal Navy from 1762 through 1764. When a ceasefire was declared, the fort reverted into Spanish control.
The Philippine-American War took place from February 1899 through July 1902. The United States overtook the fort, which then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Philippines.
The fort was captured by Japanese forces during World War II. It was used to house prisoners of war, hundreds of whom died in the dungeons as they succumbed to suffocation and hunger.
Fort Santiago has been under Philippine control since the country gained its independence in 1946. It was declared a shrine of freedom in 1950 and was restored shortly thereafter. It is now part of a historic park that recognizes the rich and sometimes tragic history of the country.
Visitors are welcome to explore the interior and exterior of the fort. The dungeon is a particularly somber experience where visitors can honor those who perished. A marble cross in the dungeon signifies the mass grave where 600 prisoners of war were buried.
Fort Santiago is located near many other important landmarks in Manila. Visitors can easily add this must-see spot to their walking tour of the city.
Why You Should Visit:
- To witness one of the most important sites in the Philippines
- To pay honor to those who died in the dungeons of the fort
Tips:
Fort Santiago is open daily from 8 AM through 6 PM. The dungeon is open from 2 PM through 10 PM.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Manila. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Fort Santiago on Map
Sight Name: Fort Santiago
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manila, Philippines
Create Your Own Walk in Manila
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manila is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Manila Introduction Walking Tour
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The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Manila鈥檚 long history results from its situation as a natural port in a huge bay. With the Spanish conquest of the Philippines in the 16th century, it became united, along with Mexico City and Madrid, into the first truly globalised trade system. Intramuros, Manila鈥檚 old walled Spanish town, stood for 350 years before World War II came, and still houses many of the historic buildings.
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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