Fuerza de Santiago is a magnificent defence fortress built in 1571 by the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi. Today it stands as a memorial to Dr José Rizal who was imprisoned within these very walls for leading a revolution against the Spanish troupes. Inside the citadel are various memorials dedicated to all Filipinos who died for the cause of freedom of the country.
It is wise to reserve a Makati apartment in advance if one intends to visit this majestic fortress. Among the Manila Serviced Apartments available in the area, a popular choice among tourists is Ascott Makati which is located central to all the hot spots in the city of Manila.
Named after Saint James the Great the patron saint of Spain, the fort was built over the kingdom of Rajah Suliman which was destroyed by the conquerors. The fort stands today, a true relic of the glory of the Spanish era and sprawls over a perimeter of 2,030 feet surrounded by 22-foot high walls, with a thickness of 8 feet, complete with storehouses, a chapel, powder magazine, sentry towers, cisterns and the like.
