Rediscovering Heritage 02: Fort Santiago Walk Tour

Hello Hivers, it's me again @lizhavesomefun !

Guess what? I've got an exciting adventure lined up for you! If you're a fan of history like me, then this post is definitely for you! Today, we're going to take a stroll through one of Manila's most iconic historical sites—Intramuros! But we'll visit Fort Santiago first, and trust me, this place isn't just about old walls; it's packed with stories, culture, and fabulous secret spots back in the century that you definitely won't want to miss today.

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Grab your walking shoes, and let's go! Ready? Let's do this!

What and Where is Intramuros?

Nestled in the heart of Manila, Intramuros, also known as the Walled City, is the country's historic center. Now, this iconic landmark offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the country's past—a symbol of Filipino bravery.

_{This is called kalesa and you can find lots of this in Intramuros!}

Bordered by modern-day streets such as Roxas Boulevard and Quezon Boulevard, it is situated near other important areas like Rizal Park, Binondo, and Malate, making it easy to access from different parts of the city.

How to Get There?

There are several options for getting to Intramuros, depending on where you're coming from. Suppose you're traveling from Makati or Quezon City. In that case, the most convenient option is to take the LRT Line 1 (Yellow Line) and get off at the Central Station. From there, it's just a short walk to the gates of Intramuros. Suppose you're coming from other areas in Manila. In that case, you can also take a jeepney or bus that's heading towards Roxas Boulevard or Intramuros. Just tell the driver your destination, and you'll be dropped off near the district's entrance. If you prefer a more direct route, then you can take a Grab or a taxi ride straight to Intramuros. For those driving, there are various parking spaces available around the area, and the signs will guide you to the nearest parking lot.

Suppose you're not in a hurry and are much of a history buff. In that case, you can take your time to visit and see more historical landmarks using this route that we took on our trip to Intramuros: Riding the LRT 1, you will get off at Carriedo Station—it's just a short walk to Quiapo from there. One architectural landmark that will greet you once you're in the station is the BIR Carriedo Branch. However, not as ornate or historically significant as some of the older Spanish-era structures, it is an architectural marvel, if I dare say. You can also take a quick visit to Quiapo Church, which is full of people—devotees and tourists alike.

Once in Quiapo, you can take a cab or a tricycle ride to drop you off at Intramuros. The catch for this one? Some drivers gave you some context and a private tour of some scenic and historical structures you will pass by along the way, such as the Jones Bridge and the Post Office, which are both beautiful and a gem!

The fare is quite affordable whether you're traveling by train, jeep, taxi, or tricycle, so you won't have to break the bank to explore this historic area! Be sure to bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the heat.

Anyway, once you're on Intramuros, you can walk straight to our first stop—Fort Santiago!

Fort Santiago

_{You can see the entrance fee and schedule of the fort in this signage}

If you're ready to step back in time, Fort Santiago is the perfect place to start. This historical site was once a military defense fortress during the Spanish colonial era. It was built in 1571 by the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, and its main purpose was to protect the Spanish settlement from external threats. It became a key military installation throughout the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations.

Before entering, there is usually a tiny ticket booth where you can pay the entrance fee. The fee is minimal: 75 pesos (1.29 USD) for adults and 50 pesos (0.86 USD) for students, senior citizens, people with disabilities, solo parents, and government employees. Just be sure to present your IDs.
Once you have your ticket, you'll step onto the cobblestone path, which immediately brings you to a park inside the fort's outer walls.

Walk Through the Fort's Grounds

Upon entering Fort Santiago, the first thing that catches your eye is the grand entrance gate, especially its impressive arch—and I have to say, it is impressive! Walking through this entrance feels like you'll immediately step back in time. The cobbled streets and centuries-old stone walls evoke a sense of nostalgia. I mean, even the guards here are fully dressed as the "guwardiya sibil."

_{The guwardiya sibils just make the experience inside the fort immersive, just like coming back to the past}

The fort is a well-preserved historical site, full of old stone walls and beautiful gardens. The first thing you'll notice is the wide-open courtyard or the Plaza Armas, perfect for taking photos and appreciating the beauty of the architecture. According to the signages, this is where military parades and ceremonies were once held during the Spanish colonial period.

The Rizal Shrine

As you continue walking deeper into the fort, you'll find different sections to explore: The Rizal Shrine, the most iconic part of the fort, dedicated to the Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal. You'll find a small museum that tells the story of Rizal's life through exhibits of his works, his tragic final moments, and the dungeon where he was imprisoned. A tip, though: don't visit during a week or two from his death anniversary (December 30th) since they will sometimes close the museum for renovations and open it again on the day of commemoration. It was a shame for me during my visit as I didn't get to explore this one.

The Guardhouse, Old Barracks, and the Bastions

As we continue, you'll see other cool areas, like the Guardhouse and Old Barracks. These used to house soldiers and walking through them, you can almost hear the clanking of armor and soldiers getting ready for battle; well, it might be because the guards here are dressed and act like they are the guardian sibyls of the past. The old stone buildings and their costumes make it feel like time has stood still here.

We can also visit the Bastions, the four corner towers of the fort that were used for defense. This is one of my favorite spots because it offers such a great view of the Pasig River and Intramuros. It's a peaceful spot to take a break, snap a few photos, and imagine what life must have been like in the 1500s.

The Dungeons

Let's go underground for a minute! The dungeons here are one of the most chilling parts of the fort. They were used to imprison prisoners, and yes, even José Rizal was kept here. It's a narrow, dark space, and you can feel the weight of history in the air.

The damp, stone walls give off a cold, eerie vibe, and walking through the cramped halls, you can almost hear the whispers of the prisoners who spent their final days here—it didn't help that there are statues on each station here in this dark underground tunnel. I didn't even prepare myself for jumpscare, then only to find out it was another tourist.

This is where the fort's history gets a little heavier, especially when you remember the many lives lost in these chambers. I recommend taking a moment of silence when you're here—it's one of those places that really makes you reflect. Personally, it was the highlight of my visit. It was definitely worth visiting. Tip for you: you can actually hire a tour guide at the entrance booth if you want, but I suggest that it is more worthy if you visit in big groups.

The Gardens and Grounds

After the emotional weight of the dungeons, it's nice to take a stroll through the gardens. This part of the fort is full of greenery, with lots of trees, flowers, and well-manicured lawns. It's a peaceful place to sit, relax, and breathe in the fresh air. There's also some busking going on--small artists playing acoustic songs that will surely enhance the ambiance of the place.

And guess what? You can rent a bicycle here so you can take a look around while riding one! Doesn't that sounds exciting? Totally epic! (Not for me though, I don't know how to ride a bike).

As we exit Fort Santiago, you'll be back at the lively streets outside the gates. And from here, you can easily walk over to other historical sites like the Manila Cathedral—and that's where we'll go next but you have to wait for another time for that, hahaha.

Other Practical Tips for Visitors

Entry Fees: The entrance fee for Fort Santiago is minimal, making it accessible to everyone. However, you might want to bring extra money with you since there will be souvenir shops there.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore Fort Santiago is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Accessibility: Fort Santiago is wheelchair accessible, with smooth pathways for easy navigation.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the area's beauty and history.

And let's call it a day, Hivers! Phew, that was one long walk tour for today's adventure! Thanks for joining me on this tour, and I hope you get the chance to visit this incredible historical site soon. Until next time, take care and keep exploring!

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