Fort Santiago dates back to the 16th century, when it was built by the Spanish over the fort of the last pre-Hispanic chieftain of Manila as a strategic lookout over Manila Bay. Since then it has served as a military base and a prison, most notoriously under the control of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War, when it was used as a place of torture and execution.Happily the fort is now reincarnated as a place of peace and relaxation, where you can take an informative walk through Manila history and pay tribute to a national hero. The Rizal Shrine is dedicated to Dr José Rizal, the legendary Filipino reformist who fought passionately for his country’s independence from Spain and was executed by firing squad in 1896 after spending the last months of his life imprisoned in Fort Santiago.The shrine houses an exhibition of Rizal’s life and work, including artworks, books and personal artefacts. Among the more unusual items on display is one of his bones showing the bullet still embedded. You can also visit his prison cell and follow his final footsteps, poignantly reproduced in bronze, to the place of his execution in present-day Rizal Park.There is plenty more to see at Fort Santiago, which is named after the patron saint of Spain. The spectacularly reconstructed main gate and the surrounding bastions are reminders of its important role as a defence against invaders. As you pass through the gate, be sure to look up at the vast wooden relief of St James the Great – Santiago in Spanish – on horseback.Fort Santiago is part of the walled city of Intramuros and is an important heritage site. Leave time on your visit to wander through the surrounding parkland, a popular place for picnics and open-air theatre performances. The site is easily accessed by taxi, bus or jeepney, or by light rail to the United Nations Station, from which it is a pleasant 20-minute walk. Fort Santiago is open every day and there is an admission charge.
Fort Santiago
Visit Fort Santiago
Tours & day trips
See all 129 activitiesOpens in new tab11 days in the Philippines: Busuanga, Coron and Palawan Islands
Activity duration is 11 days
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 52 activitiesOpens in new tabCultural Dance Performance & Dinner
Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Adventure & outdoor
See all 21 activitiesOpens in new tabA private Historical Intramuros & highlights in Manila
Activity duration is 8 hours
Cruises & boat tours
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabPhilippines - the MAGIC of 7 thousand islands.
Activity duration is 15 days
Free cancellation available
Shopping & fashion
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabManila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari
Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Popular places to visit
Manila Cathedral
4/5(21 reviews)
This important centre of worship has remained at the spiritual heart of Manila for over five centuries.
Casa Manila Museum
This lavishly appointed mansion offers an intriguing glimpse of 19th-century domestic life in Manila.
San Agustin Church
4.5/5(14 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Manila with a stop at San Agustin Church. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.
Baluarte de San Diego
This ancient fort has survived natural and man-made adversity to become one of Manila’s best-loved beauty spots.
Baluarte de San Andres
Step back in time on a walking tour of this historic fortification with impressive views over Manila.
Memorare Manila Monument
Find out about the history of Manila when you take a trip to Memorare Manila Monument. Visit the stunning cathedral and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Top Fort Santiago Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Fort Santiago
Red Planet Manila Binondo
251-61 Juan Luna St., Binondo, Manila
The Manila Hotel
One Rizal Park, Manila
White Knight Hotel Intramuros
Plaza San Luis Complex General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Manila
The Bayleaf Intramuros Hotel
Muralla Corner Victoria Streets, Intramuros, Manila, Manila
Manila Prince Hotel
1000 San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila
City Garden Suites Manila
1158 A. Mabini St. Ermita, Manila, Manila
Hotel H2O
Luneta, (Behind the Quirino Grandstand), Manila
Red Planet Manila Bay
Arquiza St. cor Alhambra St., Ermita, Manila
Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
Ongpin cor. Quintin Paredes Streets, Manila, Manila
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
- Holidays and getaways similar to Fort Santiago
- Hotels Near Fort Santiago
- Hotels near other Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Fort Santiago
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near SM Mall of Asia
- Hotels near Venice Grand Canal Mall
- Hotels near SM North EDSA
- Hotels near U.S. Embassy
- Hotels near Newport World Resorts
- Hotels near Manila Ocean Park
- Hotels near City of Dreams Manila
- Hotels near Greenbelt Shopping Mall
- Hotels near Alabang Town Center
- Hotels near Rizal Park
- Hotels near SM Megamall
- Hotels near St. Luke's Medical Center
- Hotels near Smart Araneta Coliseum
- Hotels near SM City BF Parañaque
- Hotels near SM Aura Premier
- Hotels near St Luke's Medical Center Global City
- Hotels near Manila Cathedral
- Hotels near SMX Convention Center
- Hotels near Greenhills Shopping Center