Fort Santa Agueda: A Glimpse into Guam's Past
Explore Guam's history at Fort Santa Agueda: panoramic views, Spanish colonial heritage, and a silent witness to centuries of change.
Perched atop Apugan Hill, Fort Santa Agueda provides a window into Guam's layered past. Constructed around 1800 by the Spanish, the fort was a key defensive structure, designed to protect the island and monitor approaching ships. Named in honor of Governor Manuel Muro's wife, María Agueda del Camino, the fort was built using mampostería, a construction technique using stone rubble. Equipped with embrasures for ten cannons, Fort Santa Agueda played a strategic role in safeguarding the Governor's Palace and Fort San Rafael below. The Spanish were particularly concerned with protecting their interests in the lucrative Acapulco-Manila galleon trade. However, as the galleon trade declined, the fort gradually fell into disrepair. In the early American era, the fort served as a signal station. During World War II, the Japanese recognized its strategic importance and built a gun emplacement on the site, leaving behind Japanese characters embedded in the concrete. Today, the site is maintained by the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation and offers visitors stunning views and a tangible connection to Guam's history.
Local tips
- Visit during sunset for picturesque views of Hagåtña and the Philippine Sea.
- Bring binoculars to enhance your viewing experience from the hilltop.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the fort and the surrounding trails.
A brief summary to Fort Santa Agueda
- FPFX+84X, Tutuhan, Agana Heights, Fort Ct, Hagåtña, GU
Getting There
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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.
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Public Transport
From the Plaza de España bus stop, take the bus heading towards Agana Heights. Get off at the Agana Heights stop after approximately 15 minutes. From there, walk up the hill toward Fort Santa Agueda, following the signs for about 10 minutes. Bus fare is approximately $3.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Hagåtña. A taxi ride from the Hagåtña bus terminal to Fort Santa Agueda is approximately 5 minutes and costs around $10.
