The Fort Santiago was my first destination as part of Celebrating the World Tourism Day 2017 in Intramuros. Walking beside this gigantic wall is remarkable as it embodies the significance of the past to the present. Just by reading the writings placed by the management in different corners, you can foresee what has transpired inside this wall centuries ago. Also, we can distinguish who the prominent people imprisoned and tortured here, like Jose Rizal. The photos below will give you more excitement.
By the main entrance, before entering the main gate of Fort Santiago, there's a wide and open space with a gorgeous landscape where people can sit, rest, and relax. with a fountain in the middle that gives a relaxing ambiance. Aside from that, I also noticed the fragrance coming from the blooming flowers. Life-size statues and images significant to some events that happened inside Intramuros are visited in some parts, while cannons and other preserved ammunition are displayed on the side.
Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila. Built in 1571, on the side of the native settlement of Raja Soliman. The first fort was a palisaded structure of logs and earth. Destroyed in the Limahong attack in 1574. The stone fort was built between 1589 and 1592. Damaged in the 1645 earthquake. Repaired and strengthened from 1658 to 1663. Became the headquarters of the British occupation army from 1762 to 1764. Repaired and renovated in 1778.
Former headquarters of the Philippine Division of the U.S. Army. Occupied by the Japanese military in 1942, where hundreds of civilians and guerrillas were imprisoned, tortured, and executed. Destroyed in the Battle of Manila in 1945, as a depot of the U.S. Transportation Corps before turnover to the Philippine Government in 1946. Declared a Shrine of Freedom in 1950. Restoration and maintenance of the fort began in 1951 under the National Park Development Committee. Management was turned over to the Intramuros Administration in 1992.
Here's my selfie before leaving Fort Santiago, just don't mind the quality. It's lovely inside this historical spot for the second time around, and I can't explain the feeling "why," but one thing is for sure, I will definitely be back here and have my "me time" again. By the way, during my solo backpacking in Cebu City, I also visited Fort San Pedro, one of their tourist spots and must visit historical site in the Visayas. Its function and structure are pretty much similar to Fort Santiago.
