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Fort Santa Agueda: A Historical Overlook

Explore Guam's history at Fort Santa Agueda in Hagåtña. Enjoy panoramic views from the last surviving Spanish fort and discover the island's past.

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Fort Santa Agueda, also known as Fort Apugan, is the last surviving Spanish-era fort in Hagåtña, Guam. Built around 1800, it offers panoramic views of the capital, the Philippine Sea, and the island's northern coastline, providing a glimpse into Guam's colonial past.

A brief summary to Fort Santa Agueda

  • FPFX+84X, Tutuhan, Agana Heights, Fort Ct, Hagåtña, GU

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for breathtaking panoramic views of Hagåtña and the Philippine Sea.
  • Bring binoculars to enhance your viewing experience and spot distant landmarks.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Heritage Walking Trail to explore more of Hagåtña's historical sites.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hagåtña bus terminal, head east on Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive). Walk for approximately 20 minutes, following the road signs towards Fort Santa Agueda. The walk is about 1 mile and will take you through the scenic area of Hagåtña. Note that the walk involves an uphill climb to Apugan Hill.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) bus from Tumon to Hagåtña. From the Hagåtña bus terminal, transfer to a local taxi or rideshare service to reach Fort Santa Agueda, which is about a 5-minute drive from the terminal. Expect to pay around $10 for the taxi ride. Alternatively, from the Hagåtña bus terminal, transfer to a bus that goes towards Agana Heights. Get off at the closest stop to Fort Santa Agueda and walk to the entrance of the fort. Bus fare is approximately $1 - $3.

  • Car

    From Tumon, take Marine Corps Drive (Route 1) south towards Hagåtña. Continue on Route 1 as it turns into Route 6. Follow Route 6 until you reach Fort Santa Agueda. There is a parking lot near the entrance of the fort where you can park your car. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Fort Santa Agueda

Perched atop Apugan Hill, Fort Santa Agueda, or Fort Apugan as it's also known, is a historical landmark offering stunning views and a peek into Guam's past. Constructed around 1800 during the administration of Spanish Governor Manuel Muro, the fort was strategically positioned to protect the Governor's Palace and Fort San Rafael from potential hillside attacks. It was also intended to guard against English privateers seeking to pillage the colony or capture ships involved in the galleon trade. The fort is named in honor of Muro's wife, María Agueda del Camino. Built using mampostería, a construction technique involving coral stone and lime mortar, the fort originally featured embrasures for ten cannons. In 1802, William Haswell, an officer on an American whaling ship, noted seven cannons and ten men stationed there. Over the years, the fort's role evolved. By 1887, it had fallen into ruins. During the American era, it served as a signal station. In World War II, the Japanese recognized its strategic importance and built a gun emplacement on the site; Japanese characters can still be seen embedded in the concrete. Today, Fort Santa Agueda is maintained by the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation. While only a raised viewing platform remains of the original structure, the site remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of Hagåtña, the Philippine Sea, and the northern coastline. It's a place to reflect on Guam's layered history and appreciate its natural beauty.

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