An in-depth look at the spade-shaped bulwark fort that has experienced the test of time.

In 1571, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi a Spanish conqueror, re-established Manila as the new capital for the developing Spanish empire. Manila grew economically and became more prominent in the world stage, thus the need and necessity for a stronger defense on the bay side became more evident.

Governor General Santiago de Vera who served as the governor-general from 1584-1590, commissioned the first stone fortification in Manila. He thought that a watch tower overlooking the Manila Bay would be a great addition for defense. Antonio Sedeño, a Jesuit priest was assigned to supervise the project. The tower was named as Torre de Nuestra Señora de Guia. It had three tiers of circular walls. The outer tier is 28 feet high, 12 feet at the bottom, and 4 feet thick at the top. Torre de Nuestra Señora de Guia was built in 1586 until 1587, and because its foundation was made on a sandy beach, the tower threatened to collapse as it got taller. It had to be refortified several times. In 1590, the wooden fortifications were rebuilt using stone, while in 1593 the top part of the tower was demolished, now the base enjoined with a new spade-shaped bulwark. The fort was eventually completed between 1563 and 1663, renaming it to Baluarte de San Diego. It symbolized the power of the Spaniards in Manila.

The fortification's durability was tested in 1762, when Manila was attacked by Great Britain during the 7 Years War. Baluarte de San Diego was breached by the British Army during a siege in Manila. This was a retaliation against Spain due to their involvement with France. Manila was conquered, however after 2 years it was returned to Spain.

After regaining power, the Spaniards restored and reinforced the Baluarte. But, it was destroyed again and abandoned after it was damaged by an earthquake in 1863. Siege warfare and the science of engineering fortification was already out of date during that time. On the dawn of the 20th Century, the colonial rule transitioned from the Spanish administration to the American colonial rule. To preserve and rehabilitate the original tower, Torre de Guia, the American troops covered and filled it with many layers of soil and debris. This move became beneficial since its hidden existence and the layers of debris and soil prevented it from being destroyed during World War II. Baluarte de San Diego was damaged and defaced, however the tower within the Baluarte survived.

The Intramuros Administration restored the Baluarte in 1979, while the ruins of the Torre de Guia was excavated and stabilized. This exposed the site after being hidden for decades by the layers of soil and debris. In the present, the complex is being preserved and maintained as a public park, event space, and an archeological site. The fortifications of Manila were eventually declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2014. This included the Baluarte and the Torre de Guia.

Baluarte de San Diego is a magnificent stone fortification. Aside from the fort, the Baluarte is known for its beautiful gardens, abundant green plants and flowers, and eye-soothing trees. From a defense tower, it has been transformed and converted into a tourist spot. A serene garden with majestic flowers and plants was built around the stone fort. Old cannons, artillery, steam locomotives, and pieces of the preceding century was preserved and kept to maintain the rich history that the Baluarte experienced. Shaded walkways, fountains, and benches were later added on to fully restore and transform the fortification into a tourist spot open for anyone.

Many events are being held in the Baluarte. It is a famous site for wedding ceremonies, receptions, prenups, photoshoots, parties, and other special occasions. With beautiful views, lush gardens, majestic stone fortifications, it is unsurprising that people visit often and it became a famous tourist attraction. Famous bloggers all over the world visits and reviews the Baluarte. The site is also often used as taping and shooting locations for movies and tv series.

At the start of the pandemic, the Walled City of Intramuros was temporarily closed. This was due to the rising COVID-19 cases and to ensure the safety of everyone. Fortunately in May 17, 2021 two of the most popular sites in Intramuros reopened. Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego was announced to reopen on limited capacity and with shortened operating hours. Public health standards will also be observed strictly. Since tourist attractions are supposed to operate at 30% of the real capacity, Fort Santiago is set to accommodate only 200 visitors while Baluarte de San Diego will allow only 100 visitors at a time. The entrance fee remains the same from what it was before the pandemic: Php 75 for regular visitors and Php 50 for senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities.

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