Fort Santiago — Attraction in Manila

If you are staying in Manila, this is definitely worth a visit.

The fort consists of old Spanish architecture and walls. As you enter the ticket office, there is a large park with old buildings on the left and right. Most of the buildings were destroyed at the end of World War II, and some are barely standing. As you enter the ticket office, you can reach a passage near the walls through the forest path on the left. There are no signs everywhere, but there are small paths here and there, making it a good place to take a quiet walk. There is a moat between the walls and the park, and there is water.

When you cross the moat and enter the gate of the wall, the old-fashioned scenery is very beautiful. It is definitely a good place to take pictures.

When you enter the gate, there is a commemorative statue of Jose Rizal, a symbol of the independence movement, on the right, and a museum on the left. The museum displays Jose Rizal's belongings and his life story. The Philippines was a Spanish colony for more than 375 years, from 1571 to 1946. A statue of Jose Rizal, a symbol of the independence movement and a national hero, is erected with the title, “Last Walk to Martyrdom.”

In addition, in the center of the north, there is an underground prison built during the Japanese colonial period, and you can experience it by recreating the time.

The Philippines began its colonial rule under Spain in 1571. It was previously a tribal state. It was ruled by Spain for 327 years until it declared independence on June 12, 1898. After that, it was under American colonial rule from 1898 to 1946, and declared independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. However, it was occupied again by Japan during the American rule from 1942 to 1945. It became the current Republic of the Philippines after 1946. The existence of the Philippines, which had been a quiet island nation, became known to the outside world after the appearance of Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator, landed in the Philippines while traveling around the world with the support of the Spanish royal family, and this event made the Philippines known to the international community. This was the opportunity to largely divide the history of the Philippines into the pre-Spanish tribal state era and the post-Spanish conquest era. It is said that before Magellan appeared, Malay-speaking indigenous people settled in various parts of the island, and that they did not form a unified nation, but lived in the form of a tribal state ruled by a chieftain. Since the Philippines is made up of mountains and islands, it is said that they lived under a chieftain system called barangay that arose spontaneously during the settlement process, and the population at that time is estimated to be about 500,000, less than 0.5% of the current population. A barangay is usually composed of 30 to 100 households centered around a ruler called a datu, but in areas such as Manila and Cebu, there were also large-scale barangays with hundreds of households. By the way, due to the influence of this time, even today, the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines is called a barangay. At that time, Spain set out to travel around the world for the 3Gs: the glory of the king (Glory), the gospel of God (Gospel), and economic gain (Gold), and from Spain's perspective, the Philippines was the best place to use as a trading base. After that, Spain sent several expeditions to investigate the Philippine Islands, and gradually began to rule the Philippines. Spain ruled the Philippines indirectly through the Mexican governor until 1821, but then began to rule directly. Spain was inaugurating the Golden Age of Spain, known as the "empire on which the sun never sets," and when a Spanish expedition arrived in the Philippines in 1543, they named the islands of Samar and Leyte Las Islas Filipinas after King Philip II of Spain, and after that, during the Spanish occupation, the entire islands were called the Philippines. It was also during...

Fort Santiago has a very interesting story that transcends centuries. Initially built by Rajah Sulayman, a Muslim, it was first a wooden structure. The Spaniards took over when they overthrew the Muslims and relegated them to Bagumbayan or the Malate area. Seeing the strategic location of the structure being on a delta that had a view of attacking forces from the sea/river or on land, this solidified the belief that whoever "controls the fort, controls Manila or May Nilad (at the time)." This was also used as the stronghold of the Americans and later, the Japanese during the Second World War.

From the time of the Spaniards, a section was also used as dungeons for criminals. During his 1 month term as a prisoner in Fort Santiago, Dr Jose Rizal was charged with leading and being part of the Philippine Revolution which he denied (he was actually a reformist and did not advocate a revolution) but was found guilty by the designated court. He did not stay in the regular dungeons but was confined to a small room till his eventual execution in December 1896. They have depictions of his cell and courtroom at the Fort in a white building dedicated to Jose Rizal. They also have facsimiles of his sculpted work, art and written pieces.

It would be worthwhile noting that the dungeons were initially intended to store gunpowder so the entrance to the dungeons is small. It is also said that some of the dungeons get flooded during high tide or heavy rains.

At the end of the Japanese Occupation, this housed 600 Filipino and American prisoners whom the Americans wanted to rescue that they barged through the entrance gates with their tanks. Unfortunately upon subduing the Japanese forces stationed here, all prisoners were found dead, suffocated in their enclosed and packed confines in the dungeons. Thus, the White Cross marker for the fallen 600.

The fort underwent several reconstructions: it started as a wooden fortress of Rajah Sulayman till his group was driven away by the Spaniards, they maintained the wooden fort and expanded on it till it was burned during a raid by the Chinese pirate, Lim Ah Hong. The Spaniards then used the Indios to carry Adobe stones from Pampanga to build the stone fortress which formed part of the Walled City. The fort was totally obliterated in the bombing of Manila in World War 2, left as rubble to remind the Filipinos of the ravages of war. It was only reconstructed during the presidency of FM Sr since his wife was a lover of fine things and history and could not stand unsightly things, that's why she would go to the extent of covering slums with fresh paint and a good looking facade to hide its decrepit nature. They were also fatalistic that they believed that whoever controlled the fort... It should also be mentioned that former Minister of Foreign Affairs and UN General Assembly President, Carlos P Romulo financed the reconstruction and reproduction of the original gate destroyed by the American tanks. It shows a carving by Paete artisans of Santiago (St James the Apostle), patron Saint of Spain who is said to have come down as an apparition and led the Spanish forces in their conquest and victory over the Moors. The carving shows St James riding a horse and trampling...

A Journey Through Time: My Enduring Memories of Fort Santiago Fort Santiago isn't just a historical site; it's a living, breathing testament to the Philippines' enduring spirit. Every visit, whether it's my first or my tenth, evokes a profound sense of awe and a cascade of memories, both personal and those etched into the very stones of the fort. I remember my initial apprehension walking through the imposing main gate, the sheer weight of centuries pressing down. But that soon gave way to wonder as I explored the sprawling grounds. The lush greenery, meticulously maintained gardens, and the serene flow of the Pasig River just beyond the walls create an unexpected tranquility, a stark contrast to the fort's turbulent past. The most poignant memories, however, are tied to the footsteps. Those bronze markers tracing Rizal's final walk to his execution site are not just a historical detail; they are a visceral connection to a pivotal moment in Philippine history. Standing there, imagining his thoughts, his courage, and the sheer injustice of it all, is an experience that stays with you long after you've left. It's a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom, a solemn echo in the quiet air. I also recall the chilling feeling within the dungeons. The air is heavy, and the stories of countless prisoners held within those dark confines seem to seep from the very walls. It’s a sobering reminder of the suffering endured and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Yet, even in that somber atmosphere, there's a sense of pride in the memory of those who resisted. Beyond the historical weight, I cherish the lighter memories too. The sound of children's laughter echoing through the open spaces, families picnicking under ancient trees, and the vibrant hues of art installations that sometimes grace the grounds – these moments show how Fort Santiago has transformed. It's no longer just a fortress of defense or a place of imprisonment; it's a space for reflection, education, and even a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Every visit is a new layer of understanding, a fresh perspective. The fort doesn't just narrate history; it allows you to feel it, to breathe it in. Fort Santiago is more than just stone and mortar; it's a repository of collective memory, a symbol of national identity, and a place that continues to inspire and educate. And for me, it will always be full of...