Fort Santiago is now a tourist attraction.

1/19/15, 6:49 PM

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Fort Santiago has changed during

the centuries, come and see how?
The area which is now occupied by Fort Santiago is a natural defensive
position that has been used for centuries.

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Situated at the mouth of the Pasig River, which runs into Manila Bay it is the
ideal place to put fortifications to ensure the safety of the area and to
defend against the pirates and marauders which frequented the area.
Originally the site of Rajah Sulaymans settlement prior to Spanish
occupation and rule. The Spanish defeated the Muslim-Filipino leader, Rajah
Sulayman in the 1500s. He was the last ruler, of the now Metro Manila area,
before the Spanish took control.
The Spanish

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Once the Spanish had defeated Rajah Sulayman they rebuilt his settlement
into a fort, where what is commonly referred to as Fort Santiago. In 1590
the Spanish rebuilt the wooden structures of the original settlement and reconstructed the fort with stone, making Fort Santiago a highly intimidating

Tagaytay

and imposing structure.

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Fort Santiago was used by the Spanish as its base of power, which it
wielded unforgivingly. It housed the Military, Spanish officials and dignitaries
and also served as a formidable prison with infamous dungeons where
torture was not uncommon. The prison in Fort Santiago also held until his
execution, Fort Santiagos most famous prisoner.
Jose Rizal
There is absolutely no doubt that Jose Rizal is Philippines national hero. He
was born in the Philippines, in Calamba, Laguna province, and was 35 years
old when he was executed by the Spanish. He spoke 22 languages, not only
did he master languages but was also an academic, artist, scientist and
surgeon, but above all else he was a nationalist.

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Through his extraordinary diversity and national pride he wrote many items
depicting the cruelty of the Spanish over the oppressed Filipino people. By

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Fort Santiago is now a tourist attraction.

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1/19/15, 6:49 PM

depicting the cruelty of the Spanish over the oppressed Filipino people. By
doing this he also made himself a target. When the Philippine Revolution
started on 26th August 1896, Jose Rizal was one of the first to be rounded
up and thrown into the dungeons at Fort Santiago. It was during his final
days in Fort Santiago, that he penned his final poem, one that will be
remembered forever. It was untitled originally but is now commonly known
as Mi Ultimo Adios , My Ultimate Goodbye.
Jose Rizal was executed on 29th December 1896 by a Spanish firing squad.
The Rizal Shrine now stands in Fort Santiago in honour of Dr Jose Rizal,
hero of the Philippines. A visit to Manila is not complete until you make you
last respects to this great man.
The Japanese and Fort Santiago
When the Japanese took the Philippines during World War 2, at the same
time Pearl Harbour was bombed, a new and cruel ruler took up residence in
Fort Santiago. They soon discovered the use of the dungeons and sent
many Philippine freedom fighters to there death by either torture or
execution. The bottom dungeons were also affected by the tide, so
drowning in cells was not uncommon.
The US destroyed the fort during the Battle of Manila in 1945 and was soon
restored.
Fort Santiago Now
Fort Santiago has been restored and you will find most of the areas
preserved. Worth visiting inside the Fort proper is the Rizal Shrine, the
museum where you will find a replica of Jose Rizals prison cell set up
supposedly before he was executed. He can also visit the dungeons in the
prison which s worth a look. The rest of Fort Santiago has been set up into a
beautiful park.
Fort Santiago Photo Gallery
I have put a photo gallery together of Fort Santiago, so if you would like to

This is a must read if you are

thinking of moving to the
Philippines!

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see more photos, you can find them here.

How do I get to Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is in Intramuros, Manila.
Light Rail Transit - LRT
If you are coming to Intramuros by LRT, get off at the United Nations
Station. From here it is only a 20 to 25 minute stroll to the gates of
Intramuros.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is very easy as Intramuros is such a popular destination all
taxi drivers know where it is.
Jeepney
Take the jeepney that travels down Bonifacio Drive as this is where you will
want to get off.

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Fort Santiago is now a tourist attraction.

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