FORT SAN PEDRO: The Smallest and Oldest Fort in PH

Fort San Pedro: A Historical Landmark in Cebu City

Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure located in Cebu, Philippines. It was built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, the first governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines. The fort is situated in the area now called Plaza Independencia, in the pier area of the city.

Considered the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines, Fort San Pedro covers an area of 2,025 square meters. Its walls are 20 feet tall and 8 feet thick, forming a triangle with uneven lengths. Two sides face the sea, and the other faces the land, where the current entrance gate to the fort is located. The fort holds a rich history of the island and the historical events during the Spanish rule.

Today, Fort San Pedro serves as a popular tourist attraction in Cebu. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history through its exhibits and displays. The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the ocean and nearby parks.

Historical Background

Fort San Pedro, also known as Fuerte de San Pedro, is a military defense structure in Cebu, Philippines. It was built by the Spaniards in 1565 under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, the first Spanish conquistador and governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines. The fort was constructed to protect the Spanish settlement in Cebu from attacks by local pirates, Muslim raiders, and other foreign invaders.

Spanish Settlement

Fort San Pedro played a crucial role in the Spanish rule of the Philippines. It served as the center of Spanish power in Cebu and was the site of numerous battles and conflicts. The fort was made of wood until it was rebuilt with stone in the late 17th century. It was also used as a prison and a hospital for Spanish soldiers.

Philippine Revolution

Fort San Pedro was used as a penitentiary for local rebels during the Philippine Revolution from 1896 to 1898. Filipino revolutionaries also captured the fort in 1898 after Manila Bay’s decisive battle. However, it was later recaptured by American forces during the Philippine-American War.

American Warwick Barracks

In the early 1900s, Fort San Pedro was converted into American Warwick Barracks, named after Major General Arthur S. Warwick, the first American military governor of Cebu. The barracks were used to house American soldiers and their families…