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Fort Pilar: A Witness to the Heroism of Zamboangueños


The Royal Fort of Our Virgin Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza, commonly known as Fort Pilar, is a 17th century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government in Zamboanga City, Philippines. The fort, which is now a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines, is the major landmark of Zamboanga City and a symbol of the city's cultural heritage. Outside the eastern wall is a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city.

by Jhaypee Guia on July 25, 2012
Fort Pilar: A Witness to the Heroism of Zamboangueños

The Courtyard of Fort Pilar

The Royal Fort of Our Virgin Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza, commonly known as Fort Pilar, is a 17th century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government in Zamboanga City, Philippines. The fort, which is now a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines, is the major landmark of Zamboanga City and a symbol of the city's cultural heritage. Outside the eastern wall is a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city.

Fort Pilar was built on June 23, 1635.  It is a silent witness to many battles fought by the Spaniards against the Moros. A witness to the heroic courage of Zamboangueños for their love of freedom, it is home to legions of devotees who pay tribute to the miraculous Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

Fort Pilar today

Fort Pilar is now an outdoor Roman Catholic Marian shrine and a regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines. Inside the fort, only the southern structure is still in ruins; inside and outside the fort are well maintained gardens. The Paseo del Mar, a reclaimed esplanade, protects the fort from the ravages of the sea.

Fort Pilar Shrine

Main Entrance in Fort Pilar Museum

Fort Pilar at Left Side View

Fort Pilar at Right Side View

Accommodations

Here is the list of accommodations located around the city of Zamboanga.

  • Lantaka Hotel By the Sea - Mayor Valderos St. , Zamboanga City
  • Garden Orchid Hotel - Gov. Camis Avenue , Zamboanga City
  • Grand Astoria Hotel - Mayor Jaldon St., Zamboanga City
  • Zamboanga Hermosa Hotel - Jaldon St., Zamboanga City
  • Woodland Resort & Restaurant - Zambowood, Zamboanga City
  • Vernell Farm & Mountain Park - Cacao, Zamboanga City
  • New Inland Resort & Restaurant - Boalan, Zamboanga City
  • Hotel Perlita - Mayor Jaldon Street, Zamboanga City
  • Hotel Preciosa - Mayor Jaldon Street, Zamboanga City
  • Azenith Royale Hotel - Gov. Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City
  • Blue Shark Pension House - Mayor Jaldon Street, Zamboanga City
  • GC Hotel - T. Claudio cor. Gov. Wood
  • Jardin de la Via - Fidela Bldg., Gov. Alvarez Ave., Zamboanga City
  • Hotel Salwa - Gov. Camins Avenue
  • Yang Hotel Tourist Inn - T. Claudio Street, Zamboanga City
  • Viva Pension House - Urdaneta Street, Zamboanga City
  • La Casa Maria Pension House - Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City
  • Platinum Tourist Inn - 4 Barcelona Street, Zamboanga City
  • MagV Royal Hotel - San Jose Road , Zamboanga City
  • Hotel Paradise Pension House - P. Reyes Street, Zamboanga City
  • David Inn Pension House - La Purisima Street, Zamboanga City

List of Restaurants

  • ABC Bakery and Restaurant, beside Shoppers' Central.
  • Alavar's Seafood House, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan.
  • Flavourite Cuisine, Rizal St. and Nuñez branches.
  • Food Paradise, Climaco Avenue.
  • Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant, 60 San Jose Road.
  • Lejan Ice Cream House and Restaurant, Santa Maria.
  • Manang Terry's Chicken Inato, Mayor Jaldon (Canelar) and Nunez (MP Tower) branches.
  • Papito's Grille, Lunzuran Road, Tumaga, (beside Ateneo High School).
  • Savoury Panciteria and Restaurant, Mayor Jaldon St., Putik, Tetuan, Santa Maria.
  • Shamba Grille, Gov. Camins Avenue beside Caltex Gas Station.
  • St. Mary's Grille, Gov. Ramos Avenue fronting Sta. Maria Parish Church.
  • Tropics Fine Cuisine, Sta. Maria fronting SLQ Chicken
  • La Vista Seaside Restaurant, La Vista del Mar Resort, Calarian.
  • Z-Beryani Persian Cuisine, Nunez Midtown Plaza.

Accessibilty

By plane

There are daily flights to/from Manila by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, flights to/from Sandakan by Asian Spirit and South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Manila, Cebu, & Davao and vice versa.

By boat

Super Ferry boats are available 2 days a week for sailing from Cebu City, Davao, and Manila and vice versa. Ferries are also available to and from Sandakan.

The Port of Zamboanga is an international port of entry. It has a schedule passenger trip to Sandakan, Malaysia, a cruise ship destination and several shipping lines offer regular trips from and to Davao, Cotabato, Dipolog/Dapitan, General Santos, Pagadian, Jolo, Bongao, Isabela City, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Bacolod and Manila.

By road

If you are from Luzon and Visayas, the Nautical Highways (RoRo) can bring you here. Buses from major cities in Mindanao are also available.

Jeepneys and motorcycles are available as a common mode of transportation around the city.

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