Fort Santiago | Virtual Tour

Summary

Explore the rich history of Fort Santiago, a key historical site in Manila. From its origins as a Spanish defense fortress to its use as a prison during World War II, the fort is a testament to the Philippines' colonial past and struggles for independence. Highlights include the Plaza Marianas, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the dungeons where prisoners were held, and the Rizal Shrine, honoring the nation's national hero. Today, Fort Santiago serves as a cultural and educational center, offering visitors a deep dive into the country's multifaceted history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fort Santiago is a historic site in Manila, closely located to the Manila Cathedral and Palacio del Gobernador.
• 😀 The fort has witnessed significant moments in Philippine history, including the Spanish colonial era and World War II.
• 😀 Plaza Marianas, an open expanse at Fort Santiago, was historically used for military drills and ceremonies until it was destroyed in the 1863 earthquake.
• 😀 The Reducto, an independent structure outside the fort walls, served as the first line of defense and later housed the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
• 😀 Alma Realiza or Royal Warehouses were used for storing goods unloaded by ships, especially during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade.
• 😀 During the Japanese occupation, Fort Santiago was converted into a prison, and former Philippine president Elpidio Quirino was held here for 16 days.
• 😀 A brass plaque at Fort Santiago lists the survivors of Filipinos imprisoned here during World War II.
• 😀 The fort’s main entrance features a wood relief carving of Saint James and the coats of arms of Castile and Leon.
• 😀 Plaza de Armas was used as a storage space for arms and rifles and also served as a location for soldiers’ drills.
• 😀 Jose Rizal, the national hero, was imprisoned at Fort Santiago, where he married Josephine Bracken. His former cell is now the Rizal Shrine.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Fort Santiago in Manila?

Fort Santiago is one of Manila's most significant historical sites, witnessing major milestones in Philippine history. It served as a military stronghold during the Spanish colonial era, was repurposed during the Japanese occupation in World War II, and now stands as a National Shrine and museum.

What was the purpose of the Bolivar athelia de San Francisco Xavier?

The Bolivar athelia de San Francisco Xavier served as a seafront defense and surge chamber during the Spanish colonial era. During the Second World War, it was turned into a prison cell by the Japanese military.

What is the Reducto, and what is its current function?

The Reducto is an independent structure outside the walls of Fort Santiago, serving as the first line of defense. It also functioned as storage for ammunition and food supplies. Today, it houses the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

What historical events are associated with Plaza Marianas?

Plaza Marianas was originally an open ground for military drills, parades, and ceremonies. It was damaged in the 1863 earthquake and later used as a barracks by the US Army. Today, it is a venue for events and activities in Intramuros.

What was the function of Alma same as realice or royal warehouses?

The Alma same as realice, or royal warehouses, stored goods unloaded by ships during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. The unreinforced stone arches that originally supported the second floor remain intact, showcasing the durability of traditional architecture.

What is the significance of the brass plaque inside Fort Santiago?

The brass plaque inside Fort Santiago lists the names of Filipinos who survived incarceration during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of those who suffered.

How does the fort's entrance reflect Spanish influence?

The fort's entrance is guarded by two ramparts and features a wood relief carving of Spain’s patron saint Santiago Matamoros. It also displays the coats of arms of Castile and Leon, symbolizing the Spanish kingdoms.

What role did Plaza de Armas play in Fort Santiago?

Plaza de Armas was used to store arms and rifles and served as a parade ground for soldiers. It was also the site of daily military drills. Today, it is a historical area that reflects the military heritage of the fort.

What was the significance of Jose Rizal’s time at Fort Santiago?

Jose Rizal was imprisoned at Fort Santiago, where he was held in a cell after being transferred from a barracks. It is here that he is believed to have married Josephine Bracken, and the site now houses the Rizal Shrine in tribute to the national hero.

What happened in the dungeons of Fort Santiago during World War II?

The dungeons, which were once gunpowder magazines, were converted into prison cells during World War II. After the Battle of Manila in 1945, 600 decomposed bodies of prisoners were found here, and the remains were buried nearby, marked by a white marble cross.