FUERZA DE STA. ISABEL (Taytay, Palawan)

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

Located in one of Palawan's oldest municipalities is a 346-yr. old Spanish Fortress.

(An Introduction to the Fort---Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

This historic landmark in the town of Taytay was built in the year 1667 and it was also named in honor of one of Spain's royalties, Queen Isabela II.


The Fuerza De Sta. Isabel Plaza and a centuries old cannon (photos below) will welcome you to the historical Fort of Taytay .

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Plaza--- Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

"Kuta" (or hideout in english) as the locals call it, is only one of the town's tourist attractions. Unknown to most tourists, there are also many attractions that Taytay has to offer. Read more about Taytay here:



When the fortress was first built, it was only built with woods. It was only after the leadership of  Governor Fernando Manuel de Bustillo that the fortress was rebuilt using stones.

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Plaza--- Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

Before, there was no fee being collected in here, but today, you will be asked to pay a fee of 30 pesos per person upon entering the fortress,


This old stairway will welcome you as you enter the fortress.

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

A proof of the town's historical richness is the "Fuerza de Sta. Isabel" also known as the Taytay Fort. It was used as a military station and was mainly used to defend against Muslim warrior-raiders  in their colorful war boats while the Spanish soldiers fire at them with their huge cannons.1 The cannons are still present in the Taytay Fort up to this moment.

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

There are actually two cannons present in the fortress, one at the top and another one located at the entrance of the fortress. The cannon at the top (refer to the photo below), is facing the sea just like the way it has been ever since. Both are still intact, but i just don't know if they're still in good condition (whether they're still working or not any more).

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

The fortress was finished on 1738.

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

Back when we were still kids, we've known this place as 'kuta', a place where as a little kid you will be amazed, because in there you will see true to life cannons that were actually used during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. And the structure itself is epic because it is full of not only the town's but the country's historical riches as well. When i went inside it i felt goosebumps, i don't know why but maybe t'was because of the oldness of the structure and of course its history.


The top of the fort is open and the view there is spectacular.

(A small chapel at the Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

There's also  a mini chapel in the fortress.

(entrance of the church---De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

(interior of the mini chapel---Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

This is the church's interior.

(the chapel's altar-----Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

Some of the activities that you may do aside from picture taking, is sight seeing. At the top of the fortress you will be able to see the whole town proper, the town's sea port terminal, the Hollywood-inspired signage and many more.

(view from the Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

This is the amazing view which awaits you at the Fuerza de Santa Isabel.

(view from the Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

I'm actually not a fan of this Hollywood-inspired signage because it destroys the natural beauty of God's creation, the mountains.

(Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

(Picture-taking with friends---Fuerza De Santa Isabel Taytay, Palawan Philippines)

For your information, the fortress is only open from 8am to 5pm daily.

How to get to here:

It is very easy to reach the town of Taytay. There are numerous ways on how to get here. You could either commute via bus or shuttle or you could hire a private van (advisable only if you’re travelling in a large group since it’s costly to rent a car if you are alone or if there are only a few of you in the group.) Taytay is 4-5 hours away from Puerto Princesa, the Capital city of Palawan. The buses and shuttles which travels from Puerto to El Nido does not actually go inside the town of Taytay, they only stop by the terminal of the Town which is outside the town proper. So to be able to reach the town proper you may need to hire a tricycle. But if you're on a private van, you can just simply ask your driver to bring you to the Fuerza de Santa Isabel or just simply say Taytay Fort or "Kuta".

Sweety Transport and Rent a Car Services, services to any point in Palawan by land--for rent a car service only. Buses/Coaster travels from Puerto to El Nido and v.v. For reservations you may contact 09359375323 or call (048)433-2946 or (048)433-2775.

You can also e-mail us at jackilinejardinero@yahoo.com

Come and visit the Historic Landmark of Taytay and enjoy the scenic view in the fortress.

ADIOS!

-The Palawenya Explorer

Source: 1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taytay,_Palawan