Piti Guns: Silent Sentinels of WWII

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Explore Guam's WWII history at Piti Guns, where silent coastal defense guns offer panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's past.

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Piti Guns

Piti Guns is a historical site in Piti, Guam, featuring three Vickers-type Model 3 coastal defense guns from World War II. These guns, manufactured by the Japanese in 1914, were intended to defend Guam against American ships but were never fired in battle. Today, they stand as a reminder of the island's strategic importance during the war and offer visitors a glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Piti Guns

FM6V+MQ2, Piti, GU

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Piti Guns.

Wear comfortable shoes for the steep, but short, walk to the Piti Guns.
Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.

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Getting There

Car

If driving from Apra Harbor, head southeast on Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive) for approximately 2 miles. After passing the intersection with Route 3, look for a small sign for Piti Guns on the right. Turn onto the dirt road just after the sign, and continue to the parking area near the site. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From Northern Guam, take the Guam Bus (Route 5) along Marine Corps Drive towards Piti. Check the bus schedule in advance. Arriving in Piti, walk approximately 10 minutes to Piti Guns, following local signs. The approximate bus fare is $2 per ride. Alternatively, from Asan Beach Park, take Bus Route 1 towards Hagatna and get off near the intersection with Route 4. Walk 0.5 miles down Route 4, and find the road to Piti Guns on the left.
Taxi/Rideshare

Provide the driver with the destination address: FM6V+MQ2, Piti, Guam. From central Northern Guam, expect to pay around $20-$30. Taxis have a standard flag rate of $2.40, $4.00 for the first mile, and $0.80 every ¼ mile thereafter.

Discover more about Piti Guns

Nestled in the hills of Piti, Guam, the Piti Guns stand as silent witnesses to the island's tumultuous past during World War II. This historical site features three Vickers-type Model 3 140-millimeter coastal defense guns, remnants of the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1944. The Japanese manufactured these guns in 1914 and strategically placed them to defend against potential American landings at Asan Beach and Apra Harbor.The Chamorro people were forced to carry these heavy guns up the steep terrain. Each gun weighed over 12,000 pounds and had a range of approximately 10 miles. Despite the extensive fortification efforts, the guns were never fully operational when the American forces arrived to retake the island on July 21, 1944. Ironically, none of the three guns ever fired a shot in combat.Today, the Piti Guns are part of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, offering visitors a chance to explore this unique historical site. The site is accessible via a short but steep trail, about 1 mile long, that winds through a lush mahogany forest. This forest, planted around 1928 as part of an agricultural experiment station, adds to the serene and picturesque setting. As you explore the area, take caution and do not climb on the historical structures.From the Piti Guns, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Apra Harbor, the Orote Peninsula, and the village of Piti. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and struggles endured during the war, offering a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty.