Fort San Antonio Abad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort San Antonio Abad |
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| Former names | La Polvorista Fuerte de Polverina |
| Alternative names | Fort Malate Fort San Antonio |
| General information | |
| Status | Restored |
| Type | Fortification |
| Architectural style | Triangular bastioned fort |
| Location | Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Complex |
| Address | Roxas Boulevard |
| Town or city | Manila |
| Country | Philippines |
| Coordinates | 14°33′45.5″N 120°59′12.6″E / 14.562639°N 120.986833°E |
| Named for | Saint Anthony the Abbot |
| Completed | 1584 |
| Renovated | 1970s |
| Owner | Government of the Philippines |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Masonry |
| Designations | Historical Structure marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines |
Fort San Antonio Abad is an old fort in Manila, Philippines. It is also known as Fort Malate or Fort San Antonio. This fort was finished in 1584. It was built during the time when Spain ruled the Philippines.
Contents
History
A Fort for Protection
The fort is named after Saint Anthony the Abbot. It was built in 1584 in an area called Malate. At that time, Malate was a small village outside Manila. The fort's main job was to protect Manila from the back. It also helped guard the important road between Manila and Cavite.
A Gunpowder Storage
The Spanish used the fort as a polvorista. This means "little fortress" or a place to store gunpowder. The fort was also known as Fuerte de Polverina.
British Capture and Return
In 1762, the British invaded Manila. This happened during the Seven Years' War. The British captured the fort and used it as a military base. From here, they launched attacks against the Spanish forces. In 1764, the British left Manila. The fort was then given back to Spanish control. It went back to being a gunpowder storage facility.
Changing Hands in Wars
The fort changed hands again in 1898. This was during the Battle of Manila, when it fell to American forces. Later, during World War II, Imperial Japanese troops took over the Philippines. They used the fort as a bunker.
Restoration of the Fort
After World War II, the fort was badly damaged. It was not repaired for many years. In the 1970s, the fort was finally restored. Today, the restored fort is inside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Complex. It is located near the Manila Metropolitan Museum.
Images for kids
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Historical marker installed by the Historical Research and Markers Committee in 1937
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Interior of Fort San Antonio Abad in the Bangko Sentral Complex
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Aerial view of the fort during the American colonial period
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See also
In Spanish: Fuerte de San Antonio Abad para niños
