Fort Santiago

1
I chose “Fort Santiago” One of the historical landmarks in the Philippines. ² It is
located in Intramuros, Manila. The Fort Santiago was originally built by Spanish
conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, in 1571. 3 The construction of the fort was
initiated by Legazpi himself as he saw the strategic importance of fortifying the area to
fend off invasions. ⁴ The cost of building Fort Santiago during that time is unknown, but
it underwent several reconstructions and renovations throughout the centuries, with
the most significant renovation taking place during the American Colonial Period in the
early 1900s. ⁵ The fort served as a Spanish military fortress during the colonial era and
later on was used as a prison camp for captured rebels and political dissidents during
the American and Japanese occupations. ⁶ The fort served the Spanish authorities as
well as the colonial governments that followed. However, it was also used by the
people of Manila during times of war as a haven and refuge. ⁷ The impact of Fort
Santiago on Filipinos cannot be understated. It is a tangible reminder of the Philippines’
rich, complex, and tumultuous history under various foreign powers while also serving
as a symbol of Filipino resistance, resilience, and fortitude. The fort now stands as a
museum that showcases the life and struggles of the Filipino people during the Spanish,
American, and Japanese occupations.