Fort Santiago, also contained “within the walls” of Intramuros is a Spanish bastion also built in the 1500’s by Spanish navigator Miguel Lopes de Legazpi. It is the oldest Spanish bastion in the country and is a site that has witnessed many major historical events in Philippine history. Like the nearby Manila Cathedral, the old fort has been rebuilt over the years, again due to damage caused by natural and manmade disasters, most recently following severe damage inflicted on the structure during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Today, the immaculately presented site makes for a pleasant stroll to soak up the history of the area.
The main entrance to the Fort
Map of Fort Santiago
The main gate
The buildings still bear the scars of the Battle of Manila. Bullet holes abound.
Looking back to the entrance.