Summary
Origins and Historical Significance
The city of Manila’s origins lie here, in a crumbling fortress north of the walled city of Intramuros near the mouth of the Pasig River.
Fort Santiago was constructed in the late 1500s to serve as a critical base for Spanish expansion in the Far East. Over time, Fort Santiago gained a formidable reputation among Filipinos; notably, the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned here immediately before his execution. Additionally, during the 1940s, the Japanese army massacred thousands of people here during their brutal occupation.
Following extensive destruction during World War II and several decades of neglect, Fort Santiago is gradually being revitalized.
Statuary Park: Plaza Moriones
The ticket counter that grants access to Fort Santiago is located at the entrance of the sizeable garden square known as Plaza Moriones.
The plaza was once a public square until the Spanish Guardia Civil enclosed it in 1864 following an earthquake. The name honors Domingo Moriones y Murillo, the 87th Spanish Governor General of the Philippines. Moriones was a decorated veteran of the Carlist Wars in Spain and effectively quelled a mutiny upon his arrival in 1877.
The wall along the western edge of Plaza Moriones—the Baluartillo de San Francisco Javier—previously housed military supplies. Currently, part of the old storage space has been repurposed as the Intramuros Visitor’s Center, featuring an art gallery, a souvenir shop, and a café.
The plaza itself is a lush garden adorned with life-size statues of monks, soldiers, and historical figures lining its edges.
Gate of Fort Santiago: Under the Eyes of Saint James
To enter Fort Santiago, visitors must cross a bridge spanning the moat from Plaza Moriones.
The intricately decorated gate features the royal seal of Spain and a wooden relief carving of St. James (Santiago Matamoros), the patron saint of Spain. This relief shows St. James trampling Muslims under his horse’s hooves, a powerful image that resonated with Spanish conquistadores who fought to gain control of the area.
Military Nerve Center: Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas constitutes the heart of Fort Santiago, surrounded by the remnants of barracks and storerooms. Once the brain center of the Spanish military in the Philippines, it has been transformed to honor its most notable prisoner, Jose Rizal, whose statue stands proudly in the plaza’s center.
While much of the fort’s barracks are in ruins, a section now hosts the Rizal Shrine, a museum that narrates Rizal’s life, his tragic execution, and the impact of his martyrdom on the Philippine independence movement.
Remembering a Filipino Hero: Rizal Shrine
From November 3 to December 29, 1896, Jose Rizal was imprisoned within the Fort Santiago barracks, sentenced to death for his involvement in a revolutionary movement against Spanish authorities.
On December 30, 1896, he was marched through Postigo Gate to Bagumbayan field (modern-day Rizal Park) where he faced a firing squad. Rizal’s final steps are commemorated by a series of bronze footprints that lead from Fort Santiago to the exit gate of Intramuros. The old barrack section has been revitalized and transformed into the Rizal Shrine, where visitors can explore Rizal’s life story.
This exhibit begins with a timeline of Rizal’s life and guides visitors through several rooms illustrating his martyrdom. Highlights include a replica courtroom where his fate was decided and a display featuring his legacy, from reproductions of his art to his last poem carved in marble on an entire wall.
Intramuros’ Darkest Dungeon: Bateria de Santa Barbara
The Baluarte de Santa Barbara, situated at the extreme northwest of Fort Santiago, provides a view of the Pasig River. The Falsabraga de Media Naranja, a semi-circular gun platform now devoid of artillery, extends over the water. Beneath the Baluarte lies the Bastion de San Lorenzo, which housed artillery and weaponry during both the Spanish and American periods.
This bastion also served as a dungeon where Jose Rizal was held before his execution, and where countless others endured torment and death at the hands of the Japanese kempeitai. Victims of these dark times are honored by a cross over a mass grave, visible from the Plaza de Armas in front of the Bateria de Santa Barbara.
Getting to Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila
Despite its grim history, Fort Santiago serves as a shrine to the rich history and culture of the Philippines. Guided tours, such as those by Carlos Celdran, often incorporate a visit to this historic site.
Fort Santiago is conveniently located an eight-minute walk from Manila Cathedral. Visitors should cross Soriano Avenue and proceed to General Luna Street until it meets Santa Clara Street. The entrance to Fort Santiago is situated there (location on Google Maps); entry requires a fee of PHP 100 (approximately $2.10).
Fort Santiago is open every day of the week; visitors can enter from 8 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, with a one-hour intermission at noon. On Mondays, the fort opens from 1 pm to 5 pm.
