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All the Philippines Olongapo Subic Spanish Gate
AO Edited

Subic Spanish Gate

This impressive gate is the only remaining remnant of a Spanish naval station.

Olongapo, Philippines

Added By
Jon Opol
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  Jon Opol / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Tucked at the end of Dewey Avenue, you'll find a darkened stone fort that looks out of place among the modern tree-lined streets, proper sidewalks, and manicured front yards. It is the only standing remnant of an arsenal and a massive gate.

The Spanish Navy authorized the construction of the Arsenal de Olongapo on March 8, 1885, but the actual work started in September of that year. First, a harbor and a canal were built to make an island and separate the arsenal from the mainland. The newly built canal served as an additional line of defense over which a bridge was constructed. To enter the arsenal, two impressive gates were built to the west and south.

The main entrance to the arsenal was the west gate, which still stands today. This gate was equipped with gun ports and also served as a jail. Artilleries were stationed beside both gates. Thousands of tons of earth and rock from Kalalake in Olongapo had to be brought in as fill. The magnitude of this quarrying was so huge that a hill eventually disappeared and became a lagoon in the area now known as Bicentennial Park.

During the Philippine-American War, Filipinos occupied the arsenal, whereas the Americans used the Sangley Naval base in Cavite. It came to a fore on September 23, 1899 when the arsenal was attacked and destroyed by the Americans. They would go on to build the Subic Naval Base, the largest U.S. defense facility until 1992.

On November 26, 2013, the Spanish Gate was declared a historical landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Related Tags

Gate Architecture Navy War War History Jails Forts

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The Spanish gate is accessible at all times.

Community Contributors

Added By

Jon Opol

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linkogecko

  • linkogecko

Published

July 15, 2024

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  • https://www.beautyofthephilippines.com/subic-spanish-gate/
  • https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=68100
  • https://www.beautyofthephilippines.com/subic-spanish-gate/
  • https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=68100
Subic Spanish Gate
Sampson Rd
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Olongapo
Philippines
14.817462, 120.283433
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Subic Bay Jet Monument

Olongapo, Philippines

miles away

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miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Philippines

Philippines

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Stories 17

Nearby Places

Subic Bay Jet Monument

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Philippines

Philippines

Asia

Places 80
Stories 17

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