Fort Santiago

A great historical site to explore while in the walled city. Walking through the stone gates and seeing the actual dungeons and the Jose Rizal shrine is very impactful. It is well maintained and offers plenty of open space for a nice walk. You can actually go inside the old prison chambers, which is a chilling but important experience to understand the history here. Since most of the area is outdoors, it is better to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat. You should also wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone paths. Once you are done here, you are right in the heart of Intramuros and can easily walk to the Manila Cathedral nearby.

Entrance is very affordable at 75 pesos. The area is huge and filled with real, heavy history, which makes the visit meaningful rather than just a photo stop. One visit is more than enough to fully appreciate it. Best visited during the day—after sunset it can feel a bit creepy, but the place stays busy and lively, so you’re never really alone. Overall, it’s worth experiencing at least once, especially if you’re interested in history and cultural context, just be prepared for crowds.

We were 8 and had a super guide who was very knowledgeable and even knew the names of the various trees. A great 3 hour trip which helps put the Spanish and US influences on this country into perspective. Well worth a visit. Bring an umbrella!!@

Fort Santiago is a deeply moving and historically rich place that truly reflects the struggles and sacrifices of the Filipino people. From the moment you enter the gates, you can feel the weight of history. The fort is well preserved, with massive stone walls, old cannons, underground dungeons, and peaceful gardens that contrast strongly with the painful stories connected to this site. One of the most powerful experiences is visiting the Rizal Shrine and following the marked footsteps of Dr. José Rizal, which makes his final days feel very real and personal. The museum displays are informative and well organized, helping visitors understand the Spanish colonial period, World War II events, and the role Fort Santiago played through different eras. Despite its dark past, the atmosphere today is calm and reflective. The gardens are beautifully maintained, offering quiet spaces to walk, think, and appreciate the surroundings, especially near the Pasig River. It’s an excellent place for history lovers, students, and anyone wanting to understand the roots of the Philippines beyond modern Manila. Overall, Fort Santiago is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a place of remembrance, education, and respect. A must-visit destination that leaves a lasting impression long after you leave.

One of classic historical places in Manila. The former fortress was originally built in the early Spanish colonialization with the development trough the modern era. You can also visit Rizal Shrine inside, a museum dedicated to celebrate José Rizal's significance part in the Philippines' history of independence. If you're into history, this place is suitable for you to visit. To enter the museum, you have to pay 75 pesos for adult visitors.

Visited here @ Janaury 16, 2024 First time visiting Manila and this is one of my bucket lists to visit. The whole ground is very clean and it was during the day when I visited. It was not that crowded knowing that it is a weekday. There are a lot of tourists and I notice students which looks like they are on their field trip. The whole area is pretty much accessible especially the ruins of the barracks, some houses, and exhibits. There are also Lego exhibits portraying the Philippines historical and cultural landmarks. I remembered I paid 75php as an entrance fee in cash. It is a fare price. At the Pasig river, you can also hang out there with the Binondo view, and the Binondo-Intramuros bridge. There is actually path way from the bridge all the way to intramuros Riverside but seems to be blocked since the park only has one access. I suggest visiting here in the morning.

Fort Santiago is arguably the most vital historical site within the Walled City of Intramuros. Standing sentinel at the mouth of the Pasig River, this military fortress is a captivating blend of Spanish colonial architecture and Philippine national memory. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the country's turbulent yet heroic past. ​The atmosphere here is truly evocative, especially as you walk through the massive stone gates and across the peaceful grounds. While beautiful and tranquil today, the Fort's historical significance is profound—it was the site of dungeons, barracks, and, most famously, the final prison of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, before his execution. Visitors can trace his last steps, marked by bronze footsteps embedded in the ground, an incredibly moving experience. ​The ruins of the barracks, the beautifully maintained gardens, and the spectacular views over the river offer a perfect balance of reflection and historical appreciation. Fort Santiago stands as an unwavering monument to the Filipino spirit, telling a powerful story of oppression, resilience, and ultimate freedom.

This is a must see if you are ever in Manila. Lots of history here. The entry is only 75 php per person, 50 for seniors and students. The place is well maintained, clean and has great views. As it is the final resting place of a lot of soldiers, one needs to be respectful.

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.

We took a guided historic tour of Intramuros led by some of the locals and Fort Santiago was one of the stops. The fort is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. It is massive and there's so much to see, so expect to walk a lot. The most memorable part of Fort Santiago for me is the The Dungeons. They were supposed to be for storing gunpowder and weapons, but in the 1600s, they were turned into prison cells. These cells were only meant to hold about 100 people comfortably, but after World War II ended in 1945, American forces found around 600 decomposing bodies inside. It looked like the people had been starved and tortured, and they probably died from heat exhaustion and suffocation. They were given a decent burial in a mass grave near the dungeons where the white marble cross is. Walking through dungeons definitely gives you perspective. My history-loving husband loved the tour and learning about the Philippines' rich history. Even though I grew up and went to school in the Philippines, I still learned a lot from the tour. Fort Santiago is well maintained and I highly recommend doing a guided tour.

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

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.

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

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.

If you have a chance when in Manila, stop to see the Fort. The architectural features are just amazing. It is old Manila at its best. You will start your adventure just inside the compound. There are shops there, but they don't take away from the historical significance of the Fort. There is a moat and there are many unrestored buildings and the ancient walls are amazing. There is an entrance fee, but it is reasonable. Plan to spend a few hours. Have a wonderful time.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

I'm a fan of history, and I liked being in contact with old things that I know have gone through and experienced so much in the years that they've existed. I once walked through the concentration camp in Auschwitz, running my fingers over the things the Jews left behind, over the walls of the gas chambers that claimed countless lives, over the controls of the incinerators that cleaned up the mess. I get the same goosebumps whenever I walk into Fort Santiago, not necessarily because the same evil existed in both places, though atrocities were committed here. It's because both places saw so much of history that they themselves played pivotal roles in its making. My favorite parts in Fort Santiago are Rizal's quarters, both where he wrote his Mi Ultimo Adios, and the one where he was kept before he was led to his execution. I also got in trouble once by going down to the dungeons and accidentally locking myself in, but that's neither here nor there.

I spent a great afternoon here with friends. Fort Santiago is still beautiful, but in a sort of abandoned way, as efforts to so much as maintain the historical site seem to fail to bring the area justice. The gardens alone are picturesque and pleasant to stroll in. I wish we had gotten a guide to point out all of the notable historical details of the place, because I had a hard time finding any signage that pointed to the fort's famous history or other notable sites within the fort. It was a bit hot, but the breeze from the sea was more than enough to make up for it. Luckily, there weren't any tours to disturb our time there. The quiet afternoon though was much needed and much appreciated in this lovely historical site. The Rizal Museum is worth a visit, with great personal effects and artifacts from Rizal's life.

If you are visiting Intramuros, then a tour to Fort Santiago is imperative. It's a park and it's also a historical venue, because it used to be a Spanish headquarter where the national hero Jose Rizal spent his last days. Fort Santiago was also occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. Knowing that, it's impossible to walk there without feeling the place's energy. For me, it was a very intense experience. There's a museum there where you can learn more about Rizal's key role in the history of the Philippines. There are objects displayed and also a room with the audio reproducing the judgment in which he was condemned. I loved the fact there was a Tinikling presentation at the park when I visited it. For me as foreigner, it was an unique opportunity to see this traditional filipino dance. I even tried to dance with the group :) Pure local flavor!

Fort Santiago is probably one of the most visited parts of Intramuros, and for good reason. This was the main defense fortress of the Spaniards in the walled city during the colonial period, strategically positioned by the Pasig River. In fact you can still see secret passages to the river in small semi-concealed gates built around the fort. So many people were imprisoned here in the Spanish time, including Jose Rizal, who spent his last days here before execution. A recreation of his original cell along with other portions of the prison areas have been transformed into the Rizal Shrine, a museum with various memorabilia of the national hero. You can also see his bronze footsteps outside on the grounds, which trace his final steps to his execution site-- now Luneta park. All around the fort are now manicured gardens, fountains, and parks like one by the Baluarte de San Diego, an excavated portion of the fort with interesting concentric circular structures. Fort Santiago's a pretty chilling place, especially if you think of everything that went on there when you go by the dungeons and cell blocks (Filipino & American WW2 prisoners were held and killed here too), but definitely one of the most historic sections of the city very much worth visiting.

I always play the tourist guide whenever my friends from out of town visit Manila, and I never fail to bring them to Fort Santiago, so that they can appreciate this historical park. The park is very well preserved and I am very glad that the park administration has taken all measures to make sure that this park is very well-maintained and kept tidy at all times. The air inside the Fort is thick with history, and I always love that stepping-back-into-time feeling that I get whenever I venture in this attraction. I have also attended several events such as performances and music festivals in the park, which the administration promotes as an open use events place as well. Inside Fort Santiago is also the Rizal Shrine, where artefacts and artwork by our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal can be found. It is a very interesting peek into the life and the works of Rizal, and here you get to appreciate firsthand the virtuosity and the excellence of the forerunner of the Philippine revolution against Spain. If you haven't been to Fort Santiago yet, spare a weekend afternoon to appreciate this wonderful focal point of history and our colonial heritage.

If you haven't been to Intramuros, then by all means, go. I guarantee that's one whole afternoon lost to just wandering around without a single dull moment. There's always something to see even if a good part of the city's been modernized. At least Fort Santiago's worth seeing. It may be a bit of a tourist trap (go figure), but it's still seeing if at least once. The area in the fort itself smacks of history. From the cell they kept Rizal in to the chamber that was used to house POWs during WWII. Not only have they managed to preserve some of these cells, they also made a small Rizaliana museum inside. Again, lots to see and all of it worth seeing. Of course, it's mostly just worth seeing once. Things can kind of lose its awe after a few turns. But if you have friends who haven't gone or tourist friends, I'd definitely recommend taking them anyway.

The first time i went here was when i was in 3rd yr high school (2006), I love history so much that after 10 years i went back home to P.I. i told myself to go back here again! i was very disappointed on how everything was pretty much closed, you can't go to certain places, people are doing constructions left and right. It's saddening how they try so hard to preserve the area but at the same ruined it. The parking was a bit expensive, there's people with the KALESA wondering around to see if you would like to have a ride for a charge of course!