Although it was largely reduced to rubble during the Second World War, this fort is worth a short visit as part of a trip to Intramuros. Built by the Spanish in 1592 to control the lucrative spice trade, it also functioned as a prison -- this is the place where the national hero, writer Jose Rizal, was held before his execution for inciting rebellion. Rizal's prison room is now a shrine that includes copies of his writing. Years later, Japanese occupiers held and tortured prisoners in the fort.