Magellan's Cross, Cebu City, Philippines

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Magellan's Cross

Cebu City


Ferdinand's Catholic legacy, a large wooden cross, is housed in a stone rotunda (built in 1841). The crucifix on show is said to contain remnants from a cross Magellan planted on the shores of Cebu in 1521. A painting on the ceiling of the rotunda shows Magellan erecting the cross (actually, the locals are doing all the work – Magellan's just standing around). After the Santo Niño, this is the most venerated religious relic in Cebu.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cebu City attractions

1. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

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Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to…

2. City Hall

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Lords it over Plaza Sugbo and Magellan's Cross.

3. Cebu Cathedral

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This neoclassical cathedral was completed in 1909, replacing many earlier structures on the site. Only its facade and belfry survived WWII bombs.

4. Carbon Market

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5. Fort San Pedro

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7. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

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8. Casa Gorordo Museum

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Downtown, in a quiet residential area, this museum was originally a private home (built in the 1850s). Later it was purchased by the Gorordos, one of Cebu…