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    Fort Santiago

    4.3 (23 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Fort Santiago Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Fort Santiago

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    Dani P.

    If you're visiting manila and you want to experience more history and culture, this is a great place to go. My dad grew up around the corner from here when he was a boy, so I had the added flavor of my dad's commentary about how commercial the area has become around it lol. Where the prison cells used to be are now souvenir shops and little cafes with cheap and easy foods (though let's be real all food in the Philippines is cheap in comparison). The ruins of the fort are amazing to look at, and all over the grounds are fruit trees and cats. Really, cats own the fort. It's really a picturesque place (unless you're my dad then you complain about the office buildings across the river and the golf course next to the Rizal museum) and you'll walk around and read markers that talk about the history there.

    Joe P.

    Fort Santiago in Intramuros (Spanish sector) is also a must visit if you come to Manila. During my visit to the fort there were many field trip groups w/ young children. I am glad the education system requires that students learn about the fort and its history. If memory serves me correctly, the fort was built by the Spanish, then taken over by Americans, and then the Japanese during WWII. The Japanese used the dungeons below as torture chambers. There are many Filipino soldiers entombed on the fort's grounds. The fort is also the site of the Jose Rizal Museum. Please look at my review of Rizal park to understand why Jose Rizal is so important in Filipino history. You can hire a guide, or take a self-guided tour. The entrance fee is PHP 75 ($1.30). They do ask for donations for the Jose Rizal Museum, and I gladly contributed.

    01.03.24 entrance fees: P75 = $1.35, P50 = $0.90
    May A.

    Historic fortress in the walled city of Intramuros [MANILA Philippines] Im ashamed to say that I did not know the background of this place and how it became a symbol and a national landmark in Philippine history. A national shrine and a treasure today, we visited one hot afternoon. Admission was 75 pesos which equals to about $1.33, it was even cheaper for Mom (senior citizen) at 50 pesos ($0.89). My cousin set us up with a tour guide and from there he led us to different points of interest. We explored the different chambers, dungeons, and exhibits inside the fort but, unfortunately, we did not see all of it but just enough to learn that the Spanish, British, American and Japanese occupation forces used the fort as their headquarters and a prison for men, women, children and soldiers. * Ruins of the American Barracks - Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was incarcerated in one of the barracks of Santiago on the last week of December 1896 * Moat and Bridge - This man-made canal connected the Pasig River and Manila Bay. The bridge is made of stone * Dungeons - originally used to store gunpowder it was converted into prison cells during the Battle of Manila in 1945. hundreds of prisoners were squeezed inside the dungeons and abandoned by the Japanese. The prisoners fell to their deaths. None survived. * White Cross - the remains of the 600 decomposing bodies that were found in the dungeons were buried here in a mass grave under the white marble cross next to the dungeons * Museo ni Rizal - also called the "Rizal Shrine." This is a museum dedicated to the lifework of Dr. José Rizal Review #3309

    General Luna Street
    Roushelle L.

    Well-preserved and full of stories. Fort Santiago is a gem in Manila. #HistoricVibes #FortSantiago #TravelPH # Intramuros # PhilippinesHistory

    Ashley A.

    It was a sweltering day when we decided to come visit Fort Santiago. We were blessed to have a guide to go over all the sights in this historical site. There are so many amazing architectural features here that show the long history of this fort. The gardens are lovely and dotted with a peach-like filipino fruit tree called santol which I learned were edible. The fruit is also known as cotton fruit. Our guide told us a lot about the exterior ruins. At one point, he informed us, they were used by US military troops. We learned a lot about the little details, including the gate to the actual fort, where the museum is. The figures on the gate were the oldest part of the fort. I believe he said they were from the 16th century. We enjoyed the museum, especially the air conditioning! It was a scorcher that day, seriously! It was really nice having the guide. He made the trip much more informative.

    Stamps and Post cards
    Jemellee S.

    When in Manila, Philippines you should come stop to see Fort Santiago. If you like museums and history this is one stop for you. But even if you don't, it's one of the historical places you'll come to see in the Philippines. You can spend a God's half of the day here. Although, they are still in the process of restoring some spots, you can see that it has been maintained. The architectural structure and characteristics are still visible from back in the day. Here at Fort Santiago you can take a tour guide, a ride on a horse carriage, have some food, and shop at their cute little stores. The staff are very friendly and the entrance fee is close to nothing when you convert to US Dollars. We really enjoyed our time here. Very educational. You can learn about the history of Jose Rizal ( a national hero). And see photographs of the past.

    Lexi P.

    Our trip to Manila wouldn't be complete without learning about some of the city's rich history with a trip to Fort Santiago. This was one of my favorites in Manila. The lush grounds are meticulously maintained and provide a serene escape from Manila's oppressive heat and traffic. There are plenty of lovely photo opportunities while meandering about this extensive site. The northernmost part of the fort overlooks the Pasig River and the Binondo district in which the Divisoria market is located. I found this point surreal; standing on this colonial relic peering past the polluted water into the shoddy, hodgepodge shacks leaning against each other, a pitiful edge to what might have been a perfect postcard of an ambitious city, grasping for modernity. Inside the fort is a museum dedicated to Jose Rizal. I'll admit before going to Philippines I knew very little about their history. The museum displays a biography of the Filipino hero using belongings, artifacts, thorough descriptions, a short movie, a staging of his cell, and includes a detailed timeline of the events leading to his execution. Everyone who visits the Fort should see this engaging and informative museum. In a small courtyard near the museum are various presentations of Rizal's last letter, written in many languages. Some are etched in stone or glass, others in wood. Interestingly, when we first entered the museum, the guard asked us our nationality. We told him we are American and he said we can take pictures as long it's without flash. I heard the guard ask every person who entered the same question. As he didn't notate any of the information, I wondered why he asked and if a person's nationality somehow changes the rules. Just an odd observation from a tourist. My only complaint is they didn't have/I couldn't find a guide for the fort. It would be nice to have a small printed guide with a map and more of the fort's history.

    Rob M.

    This is uniquely restored site that has many stories to tell. Take a guided walking tour or just explore; the significance of this area to the birth of the Philipines can't be ignored and the area leads to a wealth of historic spots and areas that are great for exploring. So much to do in this area but this is a great place to start or a definite stop along your explorations.

    Pia O.

    Wouldn't it be great to be telaported back in time to when Old Manila was at its finest? Well a walk through Fort Santiago does just that (and more!). I recently made a trip here in February after not being here since maybe grade school days! and was pleasantly surprised with what I experienced! At the entrance there's a 75 peso fee which isn't much, so I also didn't expect much from the maintenance, but I was wrong! The gardens were so rich and lush, it really felt like I was transported from Manila. The walk all the way to the end was super charming especially when you're greeted by the ever so famous gate (as grand as you'll imagine it to be!). Behind this, there's a nice museum about Rizal on your left and more ruins at your right. Take your time and walk around, you'll find many nooks and corners to be amazed with. If you're looking for some history and culture right in your backyards, Fort Santiago is the perfect place! (or even just for a picnic!)

    Nicole R.

    The whole Intramuros experience is never complete without a visit to Fort Santiago, Old Manila's famous defense site that is located right at the mouth of Pasig River to protect the city from pirates and other intruders. This place is laden with Jose Rizal artifacts since he was incarcerated here before his execution in 1896. To complete the Rizal experience, the Rizal Shrine is now open for visitors who would want to know the whole story of how the National Hero came to be. Fort Santiago is also lined with manicured, picture-perfect gardens where you can spend lazy afternoons. That is if it's not being used as a wedding reception place, which is almost always. Even if that's the case, Fort Santiago is still a wonderful place to help you brush up on Philippine history.

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    Very historical and gives some emotional taste of what the place has gone through. Recommended.

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    Review Highlights - Fort Santiago

    This place is laden with Jose Rizal artifacts since he was incarcerated here before his execution in 1896.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Kartilya Ng Katipunan Shrine

    Kartilya Ng Katipunan Shrine

    5.0(2 reviews)
    1.1 kmManila City

    THIS is the most awesome statue of Andres Bonifacio in existence. Not the one in Monumento (A…read moretravesty, really), and not the one in front of the National Post Office. THIS. I am totally in love with the raw energy, the fierceness, the drama of this monument. Not content to showcase Bonifacio standing, they show him charging into action, ready to fight, ready to sacrifice his life for the country as he actually did (Though not at the hands of the enemy, but this is not the time for that discussion). If you angle your shot at just the right spot, you can actually depict Bonifacio attacking Manila City Hall. It's an incredible shot that may or may not be representative of whatever.

    The City of Manila and Manilenos love Andres Bonifacio, placing him on a pedestal practically at…read morepar with National Hero Jose P. Rizal. This is with good reason. Bonifacio was founder of the movement known as the Katipunan, which waged a revolution against Spain in the 1890s. It is one of Philippine history's greatest tragedies that Bonifacio became a victim of the very revolution he started, being assassinated by the men of Emilio Aguinaldo after the revolutionary forces split into two factions. Today, the nationalist and Leftist movements consider Bonifacio a national hero. He is their symbol as well as rallying point in their modern day war against oppression. Bonifacio Day is celebrated as a national holiday and the most important shrine to the revolutionary from Tondo is the Kartilya ng Katipunan shrine in Liwasang Bonifacio. No less than National Artist Ed Castrillo created this metal and wood sculpture. The plaza in front is often used for different events, from political rallies to city fairs. Above it all stands the mighty Bonifacio, wielding his bolo and rallying his men to fight the better equipped Spaniards.

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    Kartilya Ng Katipunan Shrine
    Kartilya Ng Katipunan Shrine
    Kartilya Ng Katipunan Shrine - A massive statue celebrates the founder of the Philippine Revolution, Andres Bonifacio.

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    A massive statue celebrates the founder of the Philippine Revolution, Andres Bonifacio.

    Manila Metropolitan Theater - Statues of the Seven Muses of Art are still intact

    Manila Metropolitan Theater

    4.6(5 reviews)
    1.0 kmManila City

    The Manila Metropolitan Theater (Met for short and Tanghalang Pangkalakhan ng Maynila in Tagalog)…read morefor me epitomizes one of the greatest faults in our country. The MET is another Once a gem of Manila, this theater was designed by renowned Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano. Look carefully enough and you'll spot how some of the buildings architecture transitions from Art Nouveau to Art Deco. To date, many fall in love with her looks despite being as old and withered as she is. In a way, the MET , and even perhaps the entire country, is like the MET. It was once wonderful and glorious. It served as a beacon and symbol to Filipinos celebrating their own culture by hosting Zarzuelas, Filipino opera, and so much more. It withstood the Japanese occupation for crying out loud. Unfortunately, the MET fell victim to Pinoy politics. It played the rope in a tug of war game between the local government of Manila and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), though what the GSIS plans to do with a theater is beyond me. Many attempts have been made to revive this old girl. None have succeeded in restoring the MET back into the once shining and polished gem that it once was. However there is hope. Recent stories have said that the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has been given approval by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to buy this building. The NCCA now plans to spend half a billion pesos on restoring the building in the hopes of restoring its former glory.

    If you're a Metro Manila local, I'm sure you've passed by the Manila Metropolitan Theater countless…read moretimes before. In my case, I used to pass by the structure every day back in college as I took my FX to class. "The Met" as many fondly call it, had hosted countless of international artists. The National Commission on Culture and the Arts also declared it a National Culture Treasure as authorized by Republic Act No. 10066. It is however very unfortunate that such a beautiful art-deco structure is being left to rot and decay. I was fortunate enough to attend a concert in The Met a few years back. My favorite Filipino rock band, Wolfgang, decided to hold a concert there. It was indeed a brilliant and cool idea. On one end, it was a nice way to change things up and hold a rock concert at an unusual venue. On the other, it was a way to raise awareness that the structure is in desperately need of proper care and maintenance. As Wolfgang frontman Basti Artadi called it, "the old battle axe." Here's to hoping that future Manila City leadership pursues a concrete and more importantly, sustainable initiative to restore this art-deco beauty to its past glory. The 5-stars I'm giving for this rating is for all The Met's history and legacy, but on how it has been forgotten and disregarded by everyone, one star would even be too generous.

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    Manila Metropolitan Theater - Ant's eye view of the Met

    Ant's eye view of the Met

    Manila Metropolitan Theater - If there is one building that must be restored, the Met is it

    If there is one building that must be restored, the Met is it

    Manila Metropolitan Theater - It's solid structure has helped it to survive typhoons and earthquakes

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    It's solid structure has helped it to survive typhoons and earthquakes

    Bonifacio Monument - Bonifacio was a true son of Manila

    Bonifacio Monument

    5.0(1 review)
    0.9 kmManila City

    The Bonifacio Monument in Liwasang Bonifacio in the Philippines' capital city of Manila pays…read morefitting tribute to one of the greatest Filipinos who ever lived. Here was a man born of a poor family from Tondo who rebelled against the Spanish had occupied the Philippines for three centuries. He brought together his small group of fellow rebels who wanted the islands to become one republic. History books still have many gaping holes where Bonifacio is concerned. Even the house where he was born is debatable. Some historians have sought to rewrite history by saying he was not really as poor as originally believed, that he was actually of a lower middle class family. His role as the true first president of the First Republic has also been largely unappreciated, perhaps because he had the position all too briefly before the camp of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo removed him from the post. But there is one thing that cannot be denied. Andres Bonifacio was the founder of the Katipunan, which waged a fierce war of independence against Spain, and succeeded, only to have the Americans enter the picture as the super power of the 20th century. By then, Bonifacio had been assassinated by Aguinaldo's men. Still, the image is firmly embedded in the Filipino psyche. Bonifacio was a true warrior, a giant among men. He is celebrated as the man who set the stage for the creation of the Republic of the Philippines.

    Photos
    Bonifacio Monument - The Bonifacio Monument captures the essence of the man who was founder of the Katipunan

    The Bonifacio Monument captures the essence of the man who was founder of the Katipunan

    Bonifacio Monument - Like a demigod, he watches over the city and land of his birth

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    Like a demigod, he watches over the city and land of his birth

    Fort Santiago - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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