Baluarte de San Diego | Virtual Tour

Summary

The Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros, Manila, is a historic fort that dates back to the late 1500s. Initially built to protect the city, it has withstood numerous challenges, including British invasion, earthquakes, and World War II. After being rediscovered in 1979 and excavated, it was transformed into a public park with gardens in 1992. The fort’s rich history is complemented by its serene setting, overlooking the old golf course, once a moat. This landmark now offers a peaceful space to reflect on Manila’s past and its resilient heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Balurarte de San Diego is a historic watchtower located in Intramuros, Manila, originally built between 1586 and 1587.
• 😀 The tower was designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Cedeno and was initially called 'Fort Nuestra Senora de Guia'.
• 😀 It was built on a sandy beach, which led to instability, causing multiple refurbishments over the years.
• 😀 The upper portion of the tower was demolished in 1593, and the remaining structure was integrated into a new bulwark completed between 1653 and 1663.
• 😀 The fortification was tested in 1762 when British forces breached it during the Seven Years War, but it was later restored after Spain regained control.
• 😀 The fort was again damaged in 1863 due to an earthquake and eventually abandoned after further destruction.
• 😀 During the American colonial period, the tower was covered with earth to protect it from further damage during World War II.
• 😀 Despite heavy damage to Intramuros in WWII, the tower within Balurarte de San Diego was preserved due to the earth covering.
• 😀 The tower remained forgotten until 1979, when it was excavated by the Intramuros Administration and exposed to the public.
• 😀 In 1992, gardens were added to the site, transforming it into a public park, which now serves as a venue for private events and celebrations.
• 😀 The area surrounding Balurarte de San Diego also includes the 18-hole Club Intramuros Golf Course, one of the oldest in the Philippines.

Q & A

What is the significance of Fort Nuestra Señora de Gaia in Intramuros?

Fort Nuestra Señora de Gaia, built in 1586–1587, was one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros. It was initially designed to protect Manila from threats along its Bayside.

Why was the foundation of the fort unstable?

The fort's foundation was built on a sandy beach, which made it unstable and required several refortifications over time to ensure its durability.

Who designed the fort, and what was its original name?

The fort was designed by a Jesuit priest named Antonio Cedeno and was originally named Fort Nuestra Señora de Gaia.

What events led to the destruction of the fort's upper portion?

The upper portion of the tower was demolished in 1593, and the rest of the structure was integrated into a new speed ship bulwark.

What role did the fort play during the British invasion of Manila in 1762?

During the British invasion in 1762, the fort was damaged and breached by cannon fire. It was restored after the British occupation ended.

How did the fort survive World War II?

The fort was shielded from further destruction during World War II by being covered with earth during the American colonial period. This earth shield helped preserve the structure when Intramuros was heavily damaged.

When was the fort rediscovered, and what was done to it afterward?

The fort was rediscovered in 1979 when the Intramuros Administration excavated and exposed it. In 1992, gardens were added, and it became a public park and event space.

What is the current use of the grassy portion below the fort?

The grassy area below the fort is now part of the 18-hole Club Intramuros Golf Course, which was repurposed from the fort's original moat during the American colonial period.

What historical features are nearby the Baluarte de San Diego?

The Baluarte de San Diego is located near the Bagumbayan Enlightened Sound Museum, which showcases the history of the Philippines through videos, lights, sound effects, and mannequins.

How does the Baluarte de San Diego contribute to the public's experience of Intramuros?

The Baluarte de San Diego, now a public park, event space, and archaeological site, offers visitors a chance to experience the historical significance of Intramuros through its preserved ruins, gardens, and serene environment.