Did you know that for only PHP 9.00 ($.20) you will be able to see the trendy historical place in Cebu?
Well, me & myself is kind of surprised too but this is true! Whether you travel with limited or unlimited budget, you are most welcome to visit and enjoy the vintage yet coolest places in Cebu City.
Just to share our experience — Two days before our departure in Cebu we actually went at Kawasan Falls and then after a day tour we came back to our hotel in the city but unfortunately we feel a bit exhausted and unwell.
Because of that, our 4 am call time the next day going at the Whale Shark (which is 3 hours away from Cebu City) was cancelled. But the good thing is – the said incident became to us a new blessing in disguise. We then lay low and just explore other nearby tourist spots – leading us to the Historical places in Cebu City.
TOP HISTORICAL PLACES in CEBU
- Magellans Cross
- Basilica Menor Del Santo Nino
- Fort San Pedro
- Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
- Heritage of Cebu Monument
- The 1730 Jesuit House
- Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
- Caza Gorordo Museum
- MAGELLANS CROSS
This historical place in Cebu has been built in centuries and symbolizes not only the birth of Christianity but also the discovery of Cebu City.
From an expedition headed by Portuguese Navigator Ferdinand Magellan, Cebu City came across as part of shortening route to get to their so called “Spice Island” which they eventually reached in 1521.
When Magellan made it to Cebu, he planted a wooden cross signifying the rise of Roman Catholic in the city and later on lead the way of naming Cebu as the first capital of the Philippines.
DIRECTION. Situated at P. Burgos Street Cebu City, one can ride a jeep with a route number 09G or 13B to get to Magellan’s Cross. This will only cost you PHP 9 ($.20). Or you could also take a Taxi or Grab, so depending on your place if you will come from Mactan Airport, a fare of PHP 400 – 700 ($8 -14) should be prepared.
TRAVEL REVIEW. Not only a Holy Site but I can see an art when I saw the Magellan’s Cross. Many people visit the place to pray and take a picture on the crucifix and structure surrounding the cross.
The embelishment of the paintings on the ceiling where the cross is centered fascinates me – as it display the propagation of Catholic Faith and cultural birth of Cebu.
I would say that Travelers would enjoy this place as it is not only presenting a unique structure but also a rich & epic history on how a city like Cebu evolves.
2. BASILICA MENOR DEL SANTO NINO
Just a short walk from Magellans Cross, you will see another historical place in Cebu City.
Basilica Menor Del Sto Nino is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, housing the old religious relic of Holy Child Jesus.
Burning votive candles are a common sight in most Catholic churches.
It was founded in 1565 and made by Pope Paul VI a “Basilica” in 1965. The same as Magellan’s Cross, the place symbolizes the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines.
TRAVEL REVIEW. Painted in a pristine white and a design inspired by Ancient Roman Arhitecture, the structure of the Basilica is quite impressive and beautifully handmade.
Getting inside of the church, you would feel people’s devotion and the place’s solemnity.
Walking around, you will see a different statues of religious leaders and influencers.
The place is huge and you could do some relaxation & meditation while seating on a bench and observing people.
3. FORT SAN PEDRO
One of the oldest forts in the Philippines, Fort San Pedro is another historical place in Cebu that will captivate your heart with it’s military defense structure & Spanish architecture design.
Constructed in 1565, the place is used by Spaniards as an army garrison, prison camp and a city zoo.
DIRECTION. Just a few steps from Basilica Menor Del Sto Nino, Fort San Pedro can easily be reached and accessed by tourists.
Also, we have to note that there is an entrance fee of PHP 30 ($.60) going at the fort, this collection is actually use for the maintenance & other costs of the place.
TRAVEL REVIEW. At the entrance of the Fort, you will see a rock wall which would remind you of an old era, battle of armies or even great wall of China. It’s pretty impressive and kind of intimidating.
On the other hand, getting inside at the fort you will be amazed with all the colorful paintings of Cebu historical events, rich culture, heroes and famous icons.
It really excites me when we are at a room full of old paintings glued to the wall and arranged like a beautiful collage.
Around the Fort, you might feel like you are in Vigan, Ilocos as the wall is resembling the old rock landmarks and streets.
4. CEBU METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Another great historical place in Cebu City is the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Established in 1595, the structure of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is inspired by the Spanish Colonial Churches that is said to withstand typhoons and other natural calamities.
DIRECTION. Just a 5 minutes walk from the Fort San Pedro , you will be able to see the pearly paint of the Cathedral.
By the way, just a note from Magellan’s Cross up to this church we still stick on our PHP 9 ($.20) transportation fee.
TRAVEL REVIEW. This is a good place for pilgrimage. It’s less crowded and has a very nice arrangements of chandeliers for the high ceilings.
People who visited this cathedral used to love its intricate facades, the bells, the flowering gardens and the statue of Jesus.
5. HERITAGE OF CEBU MONUMENT
This monument is filled with Stone carvings that describe each event which took place from the past.
It was built from 1997 to 2000 by a local artist named Eduardo Castrillo.
DIRECTION. Beside Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the monument could easily be accessed.
TRAVEL REVIEW. I am so amazed when I see this place as the sculptures of the whole monument are so huge. The details of each event are also impressive. You could really notice that the materials they have used to display it as a real-life characters are quite heavy and with a good quality.
It is indeed a beautiful reminder of Philippine history.
The Heritage Monument actually depicted interesting scenes such as:
- The Battle of Mactan – between Lapu-Lapu & Ferdinand Magellan
- A Roman Catholic mass
- The Baptism of Rajah Humabon
- A procession of the Santo Niño
6. THE 1730 JESUIT HOUSE
Not popular to many but this tourist spot is one of the oldest houses in the Philippines and was built centuries ago.
Also known as Museo De Parian, the place displays maps of old Cebu and other nearby cities in the past. They also have a gallery that shows some artifacts that are believed to be brought by Chinese traders during the Ming Dynasty.
DIRECTION. Just a short walk from the Heritage Monument, one could reach the 1730 Jesuit House. To be exact it is in Parian district of Cebu city.
TRAVEL REVIEW. We are actually fond of visiting places that are rich in history and culture, also those that are not quite recognize by many but worthy to see.
Definitely, I would say that Museo De Parian gave us a glimpsed of how people lived in the past and what are the things they are using at home and for work.
Inside the place you will be astonished to view the antiques, memorabilia and newsletters which are so cool and unbelievable.
7. YAP-SAN DIEGO ANCESTRAL HOUSE
This is one of my favorite places that we visited during our day tour. It is because, I have experienced a lot of things like the Filipino-Chinese old way of living, their music, culture and traditions.
Known to many, Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is said to be the first Chinese house built between 1675 and 1700 outside of China.
The place was originally owned by a Chinese merchant named Don Juan Yap together with his wife, Doña Maria Florido.
DIRECTION. Just 3 minutes away from the 1730 Jesuit House, one could easily notice a Chinese house at Mabini St, Cebu City.
TRAVEL REVIEW. At the entrance, you will be wowed to see the staffs working at the ancestral house giving all the guests a warm welcome while on a Barong and Baro’t Saya attire.
For foreign travelers, Barong and Baro’t Saya are traditional dress worn by men and women during special occassions in the Philippines.
Homie Living Room at Yap San Diego
Going back at the place, I am so thrilled to experience the old-style kitchen, living room and even the balcony of this Ancestral house. I have so much fun on the things that they are using like the table, the hat of a man for farming and the racking chair.
Vintage & Cute Dining Area
We have a pretty nice selfies and photos at this place as every part of the house are stunning & instagrammable.
8. CAZA GORORDO MUSEUM
Another historical place in Cebu which is situated in Parian District is the Caza Gorordo Museum. Originally, the museum is owned by Alejandro Reynes Rosales, a Filipino and later on acquired by a Spanish Merchant named Isidro Gorordo.
In 1991, the museum is declared as National Historical Landmark because it represents mid-19th century and early 20th century Philippine culture and lifestyle.
DIRECTION. From the Yap-San Diego Ancentral House, you need to walk for 10 minutes to get to Caza Gorordo Museum. The place is situated at 35 Eduardo Aboitiz Street, Cebu City.
TRAVEL REVIEW. Caza Gorordo Museum will not only show you the sensational structures of the mid-19th century but will also make you realize how to live a simple life in today’s world.
I’ve learned that we just need to recreate ourselves to satisfy our needs and be imaginative for something that is wonderful and larger than life.
Another good thing about this place are their very nice café and prolific shops. These parts of the museum are also perfect spots for selfies and creative shots.
We are so blessed to be the guests of these superb and inspiring places. We had so much fun and unforgettable memories that we’ll never forget about this experience.
We recommend you share these historical places in Cebu with your family, friends and loved ones. We know that for some people they think of history as boring, but we assure that you’ll surely enjoy these places as much as we do.
We’ve done it in an unplanned way which is quite interesting, and the ending is that we gain more happiness and learn something new.
I hope to see you in another adventure!
