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Walking Tour of Intramuros

By Michael Aquino, About.com

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First Stop: Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago gateMarlon de Jesus

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago was built by Spanish conquistadors in 1571, replacing the destroyed fortress belonging to the last datu (king) of pre-Hispanic Manila. Over the years, Fort Santiago served as a fortress against marauding Chinese pirates, a prison for Spanish-era political prisoners, and a Japanese torture chamber in World War II. American bombs deployed during the Battle for Manila almost succeeded in destroying the Fort altogether.

A postwar government initiative helped restore Fort Santiago and clean its bad juju away. Today, Fort Santiago is a relaxing place to visit - an enlightening portal into the Philippines' colonial past. Admission costs PHP40 for adults, and PHP15 for students and children.

Contact Details:
Santa Clara Street, Intramuros
Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 527 1572

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