Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago (Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila) – this fort marks its entrance on the northwestern entrance to Intramuros, whose construction began in 1571 and was completed nearly 150 years later by Filipino forced labor. The pre-Spanish settlement of Rajah Sulayman was a wooden fort on the ashes of which was built the Spanish fortress (Spain’s major defense position in the island). It looked out on the sea, towards which its canons were trained to ward off pirates and invaders. This site is also known as the ‘Shrine of Freedom’, in memory of the heroic Filipinos imprisoned and killed here during the Spanish and Japanese eras. Partly rebuilt from the ruins of World War II, it is now a park and resident theaters for both traditional and modern plays. Admission: P75 (adult), P50 (students). Hours: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Monday), 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday).