Last updated: 16 September 2024

Fort Santiago is one of the most common destinations for educational tours or field trips. I have scoured the nooks and crannies of Fort Santiago a few times already, once doing a photo walk for my Photography Class back in college.

Spearheaded by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, it was constructed in the early 1590s as a fortress for the then flourishing city of Manila. It faced many destructions and reconstructions, but some structures remain strong throughout the centuries.

The fort is recognized as a National Cultural Treasure in 2014 and a National Shrine and National Monument in 1951. The dungeons and the museum are just two of the many attractions you’ll see inside the historical fort.

Here are some helpful bits of info that you might want to know before you go.

What are the operating hours?

• 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  Monday to Friday
  Last entry: 8:00 PM
• 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  Saturday to Sunday
  Last entry: 8:30 PM

Notes:

1. The opening hours might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
2. The maximum capacity is 150 pax at a time.

How much is the ticket?

• General Admission: P75
• Children/Students/PWDs: P50

You can also book your ticket in advance online!

✅ GET YOUR TICKET HERE!

If you are planning to explore other parts of Intramuros, you can also get the Intramuros Pass, which will give you discounts on entrance fees! The pass will give you access to up to five (5) activities and attractions, including Fort Santiago.

✅ GET YOUR INTRAMUROS PASS HERE!

When is the best time to visit?

Weekends and holidays are expected to be much more crowded than weekdays. If these are the only feasible dates for you, just go there early.

Based on our previous visits, both weekends and weekdays, “crowded” looked like weekday foot traffic of other popular tourist attractions in Manila.

How to get to the Fort Santiago?

Fort Santiago is located in Intramuros in the City of Manila.

If you take the LRT 1, you can get off at any of these three stations: Central Station, Carriedo Station, or Doroteo Jose Station. The main entrance to Fort Santiago is through Plaza Moriones at Sta. Clara Street corner General Luna Street.

• If you get off at Central Station, you can reach Intramuros on foot. Your landmark is the Manila City Hall. Cross to the other side using the underpass. Ask around how to get to Plaza Moriones.
• If you alight at Carriedo Station, take a Pier-bound jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Intramuros. The fare is P10-13. Travel time is about 10 minutes, depending on the traffic condition.
• If you choose Doroteo Jose Station, ride a Baclaran/Mabini jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Intramuros. The fare is P10-13. The travel time is about 15 minutes, depending on the traffic condition.

What are the attractions inside Fort Santiago?

These sites are marked and have brief descriptions, explaining the historical value.

• Plaza Moriones
• Baluartillo de San Francisco Javier
• Ruins of the American Barracks
• Plaza De Armas
• Jose Rizal Shrine/Museum
• Rajah Sulayman Theatre
• Postigo de la Nuestra Senora de Soledad
• The White Cross
• The Dungeons of Fort Santiago
• Baluarte de Santa Barbara
• Ruins of The Almacenes Reales

What are the top attractions?

• The Dungeons of Fort Santiago
• Shrine of Rizal
• Rizal’s footsteps to his actual execution ground

How do I make the most of my visit?

Thoroughly understand the place by knowing more about every stop. The marked spots have descriptions. There’s even a museum dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal.

Your visit will be for nothing if you haven’t grasped the historical significance of the place. If you don’t mind enclosed spaces, don’t forget to explore the dungeons, which are recently opened to the public.

What are the rules and regulations?

Generally, respect the place and other visitors’ space. Don’t cause anything that will disrupt the peace of others. Do not litter, vandalize, or damage the structures.

If you are decided to go inside the dungeons, here are the rules:

1. Be mindful of your surroundings and the structure height clearance to avoid accidents.
2. Observe silence. You are on hallowed ground.
3. Turn on your flashlights.
4. Do not leave trash and belongings.
5. Do not vandalize.
6. Only ages 13 and above are allowed to enter. Elders must be assisted.
7. Enter only with the supervision of the security personnel.
8. Maximum of ten guests only at a time.
9. Wait for the personnel security to enter first.
10. No teasing or causing panic.
11. No overstaying or loitering.
12. No entry for any person with heart and/or mobility issues.

What are the nearby attractions?

• San Agustin Church
• Manila Cathedral
• Casa Manila
• Rizal Park/Luneta Park
• National Museum Complex

Other Tips or Reminders

• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Secure your belongings. The company will not be responsible for any lost items inside the museum.
• Please read the warning signs. Strictly follow the rules and guidelines at all times.
• Always check the official Facebook Page of Intramuros for the latest announcements and updates regarding admission, opening hours, and other events. For other concerns, you may contact the Intramuros administration.

Where can we contact the management for inquiries?

You may contact the Intramuros Administration office, which is under the Department of Tourism.

• Office Address: 5th Floor Palacio del Gobernador, General Luna Street corner Aduana Street, Intramuros, Manila
• E-mail Address: tourism@intramuros.gov.ph
• Contact Numbers: +63 998 884 9224 / +63 (2) 8527-2811 / +63 (2) 8527-2961
• Official Website: http://intramuros.gov.ph
• Official Facebook Page: Intramuros Administration

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Updates Log

2024 9 16 – Updated opening schedules, fees, and info
2021 3 10 – First up

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