Fort del Pilar and museum and other Zamboanga City, Philippines Things to Do Tips

Fort del Pilar was the Spanish attempt to conquer and control the Muslim South of the Philippines. This historic fort is evidence of Spain's failure and a reminder of Muslim Filipino resistance to foreign domination. It is presently an important shrine for the Catholic population.

The Fort houses a small but well maintained culture and natural history museum about the Zamboanga-Sulu area. Admission is free. Wear shoes you can take off; they are left at the door before ascending to the exhibits which are on two different sides of the fort (shoes come off and on twice).

There is also an interesting exhibit of native butterflies, called the Mariposa Garden. It takes about 45 minutes to see everything at a deliberate pace.

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Address: In the old city.
Directions: Ten-minute walk from Pershing Square toward the shore.