Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros, Manila

Beyond the towering walls of Muralla, in a corner of an old town whose name is across the history books of the Philippines, lies a magnificent yet significant structure that holds stories of the past dating from hundreds of years ago. This is Baluarte de San Diego.

The Complex actually houses two significant structures: the Baluarte de San Diego itself – the ace-of-spades shaped bastion; and the ruins of Torre de Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance) – the three-tiered circular walls. It is considered as the oldest stone fort in Manila built between late 1500’s and early 1600’s during the Spanish era. It was built out of the need for the city’s defense since an empire has been established in it. The fortification is said to be a symbol of power of the Spanish in Manila.

The Jesuit priest and architect named Antonio Sedeño (1586-1587) designed Baluarte de San Diego. This ace-of-spades shaped bastion used to defend the city during the war. Also, the protruded part used to serve as a lookout area for incoming ships sailing at the Manila bay.

The structure has withstood several catastrophic events including the war with the British Army in 1762 and an earthquake in 1863. During the American occupation, the ruins began to be filled in with earth that blanketed its existence. In the late 1900’s, the Intramuros Administration started an excavation at the bastion for historical restoration. With great efforts, a part of the fortification has been restored an was declared as a National Historical Monument in 1951.

In 2014, the National Museum declared the site as a National Cultural Treasure.

The bulwark is seated at the Southwest corner of the walled city facing Manila bay.  Presently, it peacefully sits at the corner of Sta. Lucia St., Intramuros beside a vast plain turned into a golf course.

The Stone Fort of Baluarte de San Diego

At the foot of the stone fort Photo by Jameson Go

Visitors can enter the upper portion of the low-rise remains of the stone fort through the stairs. The dungeon and the grounds inside the tower, however, is a restricted area. It can be best enjoyed, though, by just looking at it from the brim of the concentric structure.

The stone staircase of the fort Photo by Jameson Go

View from the other side of the circle Photo by Jameson Go

Photo by Jameson Go

San Diego Gardens

Visited Baluarte de San Diego with our bambike! Rent here Photo by Jameson Go

View of San Diego Gardens from the tower

A Japanese canon installed inside the Gardens

 Details

Address: Sta. Lucia St., Intramuros, Manila City
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM