Santiago - defensive fortress built by the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and located in the historic district of Intramuros in Manila. It was here was in custody José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, until his execution in 1896. On the ground, you can see traces of its past, cast in bronze, and traced its way from the camera to the place of execution.

Santiago, a 16th century military structure - a "living" witness to the courage and heroism of Filipinos. It is surrounded by tall walls 6 and 7 meters and a thickness of 2 to 4 meters. Today in Fort picnics, walking among the ruins seen a lot, and even organize theatrical performances in the open air.

Once on the spot where now stands Santiago, there was a wooden fortress Rajah Solaiman, the Muslim ruler of this place. But in 1570, when there were Spaniards, the fortress fell, unable to withstand several fierce battles. In 1571 the Spaniards erected here on the banks of the river Pasig, fort and fortress Intramuros, making Manila the capital of the Philippines.

The first fort was built of logs and earth. Most of it was destroyed during the Spanish-Japanese War 1574-75 period. Only in 1589 the restoration of the fort, this time it was built of stone. In the long 333 years Santiago has become a major trading center, from which America and Europe sent ships with spices.

During the Second World War, he was captured by the Japanese and was seriously injured by mines during the famous Battle of Manila in February 1945. Restoration of the fort was carried out in 1980 under the control of the Administration of Intramuros. Today it is a museum where you can see the legacy of the Spanish colonial period.