Fort Santiago is one of Manila's earliest defenses, built by the Spaniards in 1571 from what was previously a palisaded construction of logs and earth built by Rajah Sulayman on the native settlement of Maynila.
The colonizers understood that the tongue of land where the Pasig River flows into Manila Bay was a strategically important site. Limahong commanded the Chinese attack on the fort in 1574, which destroyed it. The stone fort was constructed between 1589 and 1592, and it was rebuilt and expanded after being devastated by the 1645 earthquake. The fort served as the headquarters and prison for Spanish, British, American, and Japanese occupation forces.
After being destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945, the fort was used by the United States Transportation Corps, which used the depot until 1946, when it was turned over to the Philippine government. Fort Santiago was proclaimed a Shrine of Freedom in 1950, and repair work began the following year. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims of WWII and the Filipino people's efforts in the search of freedom.
After being destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945, the fort was used by the United States Transportation Corps, which used the depot until 1946, when it was turned over to the Philippine government. Fort Santiago was proclaimed a Shrine of Freedom in 1950, and repair work began the following year. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims of WWII and the Filipino people's efforts in the search of freedom.
Ruins of the American Barracks
Former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino was imprisoned in this structure for 16 days in 1943, during the Japanese occupation. The ruins were retrofitted in 2017 and are now used as an open-air exhibition space.
Former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino was imprisoned in this structure for 16 days in 1943, during the Japanese occupation. The ruins were retrofitted in 2017 and are now used as an open-air exhibition space.
Rajah Soliman Theater
This was once the Infantry Quarters of Fort Santiago but was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. It was refurbished in 1967 by Leandro Locsin, a National Artist for Architecture, and converted into an open-air theater for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). PETA staged the majority of their productions here until moving to a new theater in Quezon City in 2005. New backstage amenities were built during recent renovations to the Rajah Soliman Theatre.
This was once the Infantry Quarters of Fort Santiago but was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. It was refurbished in 1967 by Leandro Locsin, a National Artist for Architecture, and converted into an open-air theater for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). PETA staged the majority of their productions here until moving to a new theater in Quezon City in 2005. New backstage amenities were built during recent renovations to the Rajah Soliman Theatre.
Chapel Cell at the Rajah Soliman Theater
This main chamber of the soldiers' school was turned into a chapel-cell for Dr. Jose Rizal, who was brought here after 56 days in custody at the soldiers' barracks across Plaza de Armas.
This main chamber of the soldiers' school was turned into a chapel-cell for Dr. Jose Rizal, who was brought here after 56 days in custody at the soldiers' barracks across Plaza de Armas.
Dungeons
The dungeons were originally utilized as powder storage until moisture made it difficult to store gunpowder. These were later transformed into prison cells. The dungeons were recently renovated and are now accessible to the public.
The dungeons were originally utilized as powder storage until moisture made it difficult to store gunpowder. These were later transformed into prison cells. The dungeons were recently renovated and are now accessible to the public.
Rizal Shrine and Museum
Originally constructed in the 16th century, this brick barracks has been in ruins ever since it was destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Manila. Jose Rizal was held captive here from November 3, 1896, until December 29, 1896, for a total of 56 days. In 1953, the entire right wing of the building—which housed his prison cell—was rebuilt as a shrine and museum honoring Jose Rizal. For the Philippine Independence Centennial, it had renovations in 1998. In 2014, it underwent modernization.
Originally constructed in the 16th century, this brick barracks has been in ruins ever since it was destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Manila. Jose Rizal was held captive here from November 3, 1896, until December 29, 1896, for a total of 56 days. In 1953, the entire right wing of the building—which housed his prison cell—was rebuilt as a shrine and museum honoring Jose Rizal. For the Philippine Independence Centennial, it had renovations in 1998. In 2014, it underwent modernization.
The Antesala of the Prison Cell
The area, which was once the soldiers' pantry and storage area, was transformed into Rizal's cell for the duration of 56 days, from November 3 to December 29, 1896. Captain Rafael Dominguez, the Special Judge Advocate of the Council of War, delivered Rizal's death sentence on December 29, 1896, at six in the morning.
The area, which was once the soldiers' pantry and storage area, was transformed into Rizal's cell for the duration of 56 days, from November 3 to December 29, 1896. Captain Rafael Dominguez, the Special Judge Advocate of the Council of War, delivered Rizal's death sentence on December 29, 1896, at six in the morning.
Prison Cell of Jose Rizal
Rizal had the honor of having his own cell, in contrast to the other inmates housed in the fort's dungeons. Authorities detained Rizal in Fort Santiago as soon as he was brought back to Manila from Barcelona aboard the S.S. Colon.
Rizal had the honor of having his own cell, in contrast to the other inmates housed in the fort's dungeons. Authorities detained Rizal in Fort Santiago as soon as he was brought back to Manila from Barcelona aboard the S.S. Colon.
Silid Paglilitis (Trial Room)
This room depicts the trial when a military court convicted Rizal of forming an illicit organization and inciting rebellion. The trial took place at Cuartel de España, a former Jesuit compound that is now home to the Pamansatan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
This room depicts the trial when a military court convicted Rizal of forming an illicit organization and inciting rebellion. The trial took place at Cuartel de España, a former Jesuit compound that is now home to the Pamansatan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
Josephine Bracken
As a field nurse in Cavite, Josephine Bracken joined the revolutionaries. She was able to return to Hong Kong with Paciano Rizal's assistance, where she met and later married Vicente Abad. She passed away with TB.
As a field nurse in Cavite, Josephine Bracken joined the revolutionaries. She was able to return to Hong Kong with Paciano Rizal's assistance, where she met and later married Vicente Abad. She passed away with TB.
Silid Kabayanihan
(First Image Above) This is a letter that Teodora Alonso wrote to Governor General Camilio de Polavieja on December 29, 1896, begging for her son's pardon.
(Second Image Above) This is the final present that Jose Rizal gave to Josephine Bracken on December 30, 1896, in the morning.
(First Image Above) This is a letter that Teodora Alonso wrote to Governor General Camilio de Polavieja on December 29, 1896, begging for her son's pardon.
(Second Image Above) This is the final present that Jose Rizal gave to Josephine Bracken on December 30, 1896, in the morning.
December 30, 1896
Eight Filipino troops carrying rifles made up the shooting squad at Bagumbayan, while eight Spanish soldiers in the rear were prepared to fire in the event that the Filipino soldiers refused to carry out Rizal's execution. The commanding officer yelled to open fire following the drumming. An officer came to Rizal's body after he hit the ground in order to fire the last shot. It was all over by 7:03 a.m.
Eight Filipino troops carrying rifles made up the shooting squad at Bagumbayan, while eight Spanish soldiers in the rear were prepared to fire in the event that the Filipino soldiers refused to carry out Rizal's execution. The commanding officer yelled to open fire following the drumming. An officer came to Rizal's body after he hit the ground in order to fire the last shot. It was all over by 7:03 a.m.
Alcohol Stove and Mi Ultimo Adios
The unknown poem that Rizal finished composing in his cell was carefully hidden in this alcohol stove that the Pardo de Tavera family gave to him. Eventually, this poem would be called My Last Farewell, or Mi Ultimo Adios. On the eve of his execution, he gave the stove to his sister Narcisa.
The unknown poem that Rizal finished composing in his cell was carefully hidden in this alcohol stove that the Pardo de Tavera family gave to him. Eventually, this poem would be called My Last Farewell, or Mi Ultimo Adios. On the eve of his execution, he gave the stove to his sister Narcisa.
Here are certain documents, including a medical certificate, confirming Rizal's passing and stating that his remains were given to the Brothers of Peace and Charity. This group gathered the body and oversaw its burial.
Rizal’s tomb at the Paco Cemetery
Authorities covertly interred Rizal in an unmarked grave at Paco General Cemetery following his execution. Two days later, Narcisa Rizal found the grave and put up a headstone bearing her initials, “R.P.J.” in reverse. After his passing, no one ever mentioned his name. Rather, he was called el difunto, which translates to "the deceased." Narcisa wasn't allowed to exhume Rizal's bones until 1898, following Spain's loss in the Spanish-American War. The remains were then transported to his relative Higino Francisco's Binondo home. The waters of the Estero de Binondo cleaned his bones. After that, the remains were put in an urn that Rizal's family had.
Authorities covertly interred Rizal in an unmarked grave at Paco General Cemetery following his execution. Two days later, Narcisa Rizal found the grave and put up a headstone bearing her initials, “R.P.J.” in reverse. After his passing, no one ever mentioned his name. Rather, he was called el difunto, which translates to "the deceased." Narcisa wasn't allowed to exhume Rizal's bones until 1898, following Spain's loss in the Spanish-American War. The remains were then transported to his relative Higino Francisco's Binondo home. The waters of the Estero de Binondo cleaned his bones. After that, the remains were put in an urn that Rizal's family had.
Rizal’s vertebra
This is a section of Rizal's vertebra from the point of impact. Since this thing is a part of Rizal himself, it is the most significant exhibit at the Rizal Museum.
This is a section of Rizal's vertebra from the point of impact. Since this thing is a part of Rizal himself, it is the most significant exhibit at the Rizal Museum.
Rizal’s mural
Important moments in the life of National Artist for Painting Carlos "Botong" Francisco are shown in this mural titled "The Martyrdom of Jose Rizal."
Important moments in the life of National Artist for Painting Carlos "Botong" Francisco are shown in this mural titled "The Martyrdom of Jose Rizal."
Rizal’s coat, hat, and case
These are some of the outfits and accessories that Rizal wore when visiting Europe.
These are some of the outfits and accessories that Rizal wore when visiting Europe.
Remains of Rizal's shoes and hat which he wore when he was executed.
Antonio Luna
Antonio Luna served as both the Army's Supreme Chief and Director of War. In 1899, he founded the Academia Militar, a military academy in Malolos. He was killed by Kawit Battalion soldiers in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
Paciano Rizal
Paciano, the brother of Rizal, joined the Katipunan and rose to the rank of general in the army of the Philippine Revolution. Following his American captivity in 1901, he led a tranquil existence at Los Baños, Laguna. 1930 saw his death.
Emilio Aguinaldo
A Filipino revolutionary, statesman, and military leader who is the youngest president of the Philippines (1899–1901)
Andres Bonifacio
A Filipino revolutionary leader. He is often called "The Father of the Philippine Revolution", and considered a national hero of the Philippines. He founded the Katipunan, a secret society open to both peasants and the middle class that employed Masonic rituals to impart an air of sacred mystery. It insinuated itself into the community by setting up mutual aid societies and education for the poor.
The Katipunan
The revolution against Spain was further sparked by the execution of Rizal. The revolt was led by Andres Bonifacio. But after being accused of treason and sedition by his competitor, General Emilio Aguinaldo, he and his brother Procopio were put to death.
Antonio Luna served as both the Army's Supreme Chief and Director of War. In 1899, he founded the Academia Militar, a military academy in Malolos. He was killed by Kawit Battalion soldiers in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
Paciano Rizal
Paciano, the brother of Rizal, joined the Katipunan and rose to the rank of general in the army of the Philippine Revolution. Following his American captivity in 1901, he led a tranquil existence at Los Baños, Laguna. 1930 saw his death.
Emilio Aguinaldo
A Filipino revolutionary, statesman, and military leader who is the youngest president of the Philippines (1899–1901)
Andres Bonifacio
A Filipino revolutionary leader. He is often called "The Father of the Philippine Revolution", and considered a national hero of the Philippines. He founded the Katipunan, a secret society open to both peasants and the middle class that employed Masonic rituals to impart an air of sacred mystery. It insinuated itself into the community by setting up mutual aid societies and education for the poor.
The Katipunan
The revolution against Spain was further sparked by the execution of Rizal. The revolt was led by Andres Bonifacio. But after being accused of treason and sedition by his competitor, General Emilio Aguinaldo, he and his brother Procopio were put to death.
Rizal was also a painter and sculptor.
Here are more details:
Address: HXVC+M5V, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 10:00 pm, last entry: 8:00 pm**)
Contact Number: +63 285272961
Email Address: [email protected]
Facebook Page: OfficialIntramurosAdministration
Instagram: intramurosph
Website: intramuros.gov.ph
Rates:
Entrance Fee (Fort Santiago): P75.00 (Regular); P50.00 (Discounted*).
Entrance Fee (Rizal Shrine and Museum): Free
*Discounted rate to apply if visitor is a child (<18), senior citizen (≥60), student (currently enrolled), person with disability (PWD), or a government employee (Government of the Philippines). A valid ID must be presented.
**Entry from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. may be allowed via klook.
Address: HXVC+M5V, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 10:00 pm, last entry: 8:00 pm**)
Contact Number: +63 285272961
Email Address: [email protected]
Facebook Page: OfficialIntramurosAdministration
Instagram: intramurosph
Website: intramuros.gov.ph
Rates:
Entrance Fee (Fort Santiago): P75.00 (Regular); P50.00 (Discounted*).
Entrance Fee (Rizal Shrine and Museum): Free
*Discounted rate to apply if visitor is a child (<18), senior citizen (≥60), student (currently enrolled), person with disability (PWD), or a government employee (Government of the Philippines). A valid ID must be presented.
**Entry from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. may be allowed via klook.
