31/05/2026
IN PHOTOS: Dungeons of Fort Santiago
As we cap off National Heritage Month, we revisit the Dungeons of Fort Santiago, one of the Walled Cityโs most solemn spaces.
Built in 1599 as a powder magazine, the dungeons were later converted into a prison during the Spanish period and were last used during the Japanese occupation. After the Battle of Manila in 1945, the remains of an estimated 600 prisoners who perished within the fort were laid to rest in a mass grave near the dungeon, now marked by a white marble cross.
On 26 May 2026, the Intramuros Administration (IA) and JCI Manila further enhanced the visitor experience through the Tagong Yaman Project Phase 2, introducing improved displays and interpretive enhancements that create a more engaging, meaningful, and immersive journey through the siteโs rich and solemn history.
Take a moment to visit this hallowed ground, remember its history, and reflect on the sacrifices of the past.