Located on the northwest of Intramuros, also known as the walled city. Fort Santiago overlooks the Manila Bay and is situated beside the mouth of Pasig River, it was built to protect the Spanish settlement from invaders coming from the sea.
It was originally the site of Rajah Sulayman’s settlement prior to Spanish
occupation and rule. He was the last ruler, of the now Metro
Manila area, before the Spanish regime.
Fort Santiago was used by the Spanish as their base of power. It housed the Military and Spanish officials and also served as a formidable prison with infamous
dungeons. Over the centuries many Filipinos were imprisoned, tortured and left to drown in the Fort's notorious dungeons, which were beneath the high tide level.
It was also in Fort Santiago where Jose Rizal penned his final poem "Mi Ultimo Adios, My Ultimate Goodbye" when he was imprisoned months before his execution in 1896. Rizal's final footsteps were
embedded in the ground to represent his final walk from his prison cell
to the location of his actual execution.
Majority of Fort Santiago was destroyed during World War 2 and restoration process was administered by Philippine National Parks Development Committee.
How to Get There:
1.) From LRT Buendia ride a jeepney bound to Quiapo (w/ Luneta) on the signboard
2.) Tell the driver to drop you off in Intramuros, you can then just walk towards Fort Santiago or you can ride a pedicab.
