COTTA FORT
đź“ŤOzamiz City, Misamis Occidental
This citadel was first built by Spanish Jesuit priest and commander Jose Ducos to serve as an outpost to protect the area against marauding pirates. It then became a Japanese garrison during World War II and was damaged during the April 1955 earthquake. It was faithfully restored to resemble the original structure and is now one of the only 14 forts remaining from the Spanish era in the Philippines.
The Cotta Fort is constructed out of coral stone and has four bastions, or baluartes, namely San Fernando, San Jose, Santiago, and San Ignacio. An image of the Virgin Mary is carved on the outer side of the Cotta’s wall and is believed by the locals to be growing in size.
Fuerte de La Concepcion y del Triunfo, or the Cotta Fort, is a worthy inclusion in pilgrimage travels, where a beautiful mix of history, religion, and culture has fortified not only its wall but also the faith of its devotees.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From Ozamiz City Airport or any point in Ozamiz City, a motorcab will take you to the Cotta Fort. The site is just a walking distance from the seaport of Ozamiz. One may also take a pedicab within the city proper.