HISTORICAL SITES
HISTORICAL SITES



MAGELLAN MARKER, Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City- about 20 kms. from Cebu City- Encouraged by the success of Christianizing the people of Cebu, Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan Island in an effort to spread the faith. Before he reached the shores, he was killed by the chieftain of the island, Lapulapu and his men during the battle for supremacy and freedom on April 27, 1521. Efforts to retrieve the body of Magellan were futile inspite of the offer to trade jewelries and spices for the dead body.This marker was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great explorer died.

MAGELLAN'S CROSS, Magallanes St. - Planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, this marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama. In 1525 to 1740, the Agustinian priests built and open shrine for the cross, but the natives began to take chips from the cross believing it had miraculous power.So a kosk-like structure was built to protect the cross from total destruction. To protect it further, a hollow cross of tindalo wood was made to encase the original cross which still stands today.

FORT SAN PEDRO, Pier Area, Cebu City - The smallest, oldest tri-bastion fort in the country. This served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. It has a total inside area of 2,025 sq. meters. The walls are 20 feet high, 8 feet thick and the towers are 30 feet high from the ground level. Work was first started on May 8, 1565 with MIGUEL LOPEZ DE LEGASPI breaking the ground. After the battle of Manila Bay, Commodore George Dewey turned the fort to the local Cebuanos, then it became an American Warwick Barracks during the American Regime which was later converted into classrooms where the Cebuanos received formal education. During World War II, from 1941 to 1945, it served as fortification for Japanese soldiers, when the battle for liberation was fought, the fort served as an army camp . After 1950, Cebu Garden Club took over and fixed the inner court into a miniature garden. For a couple of years it also housed the Cebu City Zoo. In 1978 to August 15, 1993, it housed the offices of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority. At present, it is under the care and administration of the National Museum.

LAPULAPU MONUMENT, Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City - Site where the battle between Mactan Island Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan occurred in April 27, 1521. It depicts the hero holding a bolo in one hand and a pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS, P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City - The oldest school in the country established in 1565. This was formerly called Colegio de San Ildefonso established by the Jesuits.

COLON STREET, Downtown Area, Cebu City - This is also known as Parian District, the oldest street in the Philippines built by the Spaniards during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Named after Christopher Columbus, it is the heart of downtown Cebu, a glittering city by night lined with moviehouses, restaurants, department stores, and other business establishments.

CAPITOL BUILDING, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City - The seat of the Provincial government, is of pre-war vintage and has the undulating mountains of Cebu for its background. Majestic and imposing, its high dome can be seen along Osmeña Boulevard. A replica of the United States' White House. One of the many beautiful capitol buildings in the country, constructed in 1937 under the administration of Governor Sotero Cabahug. Cultural Attractions

CASA GORORDO MUSEUM, 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City - Located in Lopez Jaena Street, it is the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. A tour inside this residence is a brief journey into a Filipino lifestyle in a particular period between 1860 to 1920. The place presently features noted paintings, museum relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture. Open from 9:00 am to 12:00nn and 1:00pm to 5:30pm,Monday to Saturday. Admission fee is PHP 15.00 for adults and 5.00 for children.

FORT SAN PEDRO NATIONAL MUSEUM, Legaspi Ext., Cebu City - Artifacts taken from the old Spanish Galleon known as SAN DIEGO within the deep sea of Fortune Island off the coast of Nasugbo, Batangas are on display in this centuries-old Fort. The Museum used to house the offices of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority. The artifacts on display include Ming porcelain pieces of all sizes, coins, lockets, swords fragments, cannons and helmets. Well-kept flower beds, cannons, lush vegetation, and neat walkways align its interiors along with a canteen and a museum. Open from 8AM - 7PM daily. Entrance fee is P15/head.

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS MUSEUM, P. del Rosario St., Cebu City - A product of years of research, the collection in view are anthropological and biological. The anthropological section portrays the cultural development and influence into society and its close affinity with the people of Southeast Asia. The biological section presents samples of the flora and fauna of the country in general and Cebu in particular. Admission fee PHP 5.00 per person; open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 1:30pm to 5:30pm; Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00nn only.

THE SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY MUSEUM, Urgello Private Road, Cebu City - It gives a quick look of Cebuano art and lifestyle, from the prehistoric to hispanic times. Also in this room are burial jars, boat coffins, death masks in gold, trade pottery ( from China, Cambodia and Vietnam, including Ming, Celadon and other China trade jars, as well as Ban Chieng and Haripunchai pottery), gold teeth peggings ( the design of the decoration showed where its owner came from, whether from Cebu or Leyte or Bohol, or wherever), excavated trade beads and heirloom jewelry, santoses and church carvings and other church accessories. The Museum is open to the public from 10:00a.m. to 12: noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday while the Filipiniana Research Center is open from Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m.

JUMALON'S FAMILY CULTURAL PROJECT, 20 Macopa St., Basak, Pardo, Cebu City - A LEPIDO MOSAIC ART collection, so called because it utilizes butterfly wings as its medium. Beautiful and intricate samples of these artworks can be seen at PROF. JULIAN JAMALON residence at 20 Macopa Street, Basak, Pardo, Cebu City. No Admission fee.

RIZAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City - Located within Cebu City Library along Osmeña Boulevard showcases a collection of antiques donated by famous and rich Cebuano families. Also on display are collection of artworks of the Cebuano painters and artists. Its upper floor is utilized as a performing arts hall for concert and theatre productions by Cebu talents. On the ground floor is the Rizal Memorial Library which keeps some important books on Cebuano history and culture.

AZNAR-ALFONSO ANTIQUE COLLECTION - Owned by Dr. Lydia Aznar-Alfonso, the antique collection is of much younger vintage. Pieces of lovely period furniture, a very wide collection of antique jewelry, " santoses" as well as authentic "grave goods" from various archaeological diggings in the island of Mactan and Cebu helped enrich Dr. Alfonso's beautiful collection.

ARCENAS ANTIQUE COLLECTION - Spanish period furniture and "santoses", jewelries, pottery, porcelain wares are on display at Dr. and Mrs. Ramon Arcenas residence located at Banawa, Cebu City.

ROSE ONG ORCHID COLLECTION - So beautiful and varied, the biggest orchid collection in the province.

PRES. SERGIO OSMEÑA MEMORABILIA - Contains the late president's historic car, his personal belongings and mementoes.

RIZALIANA MUSEUM - Contains the memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal given by his sister to the University of Southern Philippines Museum.

SALA PIANO MUSEUM, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City - A unique collection of hundreds of pianos of varying sizes and shapes. Venue to classical concerts and houses a music foundation. Open from 9:00 am to 12:00 nn, afternoons by appointment. Admission fee: PHP 5.00 for adults and PHP 1.00 for children.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

MACTAN ISLAND - A coral island and famous for scuba diving, where beach resorts of international standards are located. Also the site of the Export Processing Zone, with 102 companies in operation, employing 37,118 people. Land area - 150 has.

MOALBOAL, South of Cebu - Located 89 kms. southwest of Cebu City, it offers cheap to moderate rates of room accommodation, white sandy beaches and excellent corals for scuba diving.

BADIAN ISLAND, South of Cebu - Located 97 kms. southwest of Cebu City, famous for beautiful corals and reefs, white sandy beaches excellent for diving. Accommodation is offered by the Badian Beach Resort, a "AAA" class resort.

MALAPASCUA ISLAND - It was on Christmas day when the Spaniards reached the island. According to townfolks, it was supposed to be a special day for celebration but unfortunately a storm hit the island and so came the name "MALAPASCUA", MALAS SA PASKO, which means "Unfortunate Christmas" in English. Malapascua is sometimes referred to as "LOGON", the main community in the south. "Logon" got its name when the Japanese and Spaniards fought over the island during the World War II. The island is 3 kms. long and 1 km. wide, with a population of about 3,000. It has white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters. The west coast is ideal for swimming and snorkelling but one should be careful because of unpredictable weather. A walk or tour on the whole island can be done for about two hours.

CAMOTES ISLAND - The island is located at the northeast of Cebu province and is composed of 4 towns, namely: Poro (composed of 17 barangays), San Francisco (composed of 15 barangays), Tudela (composed of 8 barangays) and Pilar (composed of 5 barangays). To cross the island, one has to go to Danao City, an hour away from Cebu City or take a fastferry. There are two boats which travel to and from the island and Danao City everyday, one fastcraft which travels twice a day and a regular boat thrice a week . Travel to and from the island is around 2 hours and transportation within the island are motorcycles.

KAWASAN FALLS - Located in Badian , one can feel the coolness of the surrounding lush greenery of this panoramic waterfalls. Accommodation from cheap to moderate rates are available. NONOC CAVE - Located in Borbon, 83 kms. north of Cebu City, very picturesque view, shelter for picnickers and bathers.

OLANGO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Migration starts from the breeding places of birds in Siberia, Northern China and Japan. Anticipating the scarcity of food and winter cold, these birds fly as far as Australia and New Zealand from late July until late November. This is usually referred to as the Southward Migration. By late February until May, these birds return to their breeding grounds in the reverse Northward Migration. Based on data gathered so far, the birds use Olango as a major refueling station as well as a wintering ground. At Olango, the birds can replenish their fat reverses by feeding on rich supply of invertebrates in the intertidal mudflats. These fat reserves must fuel the birds on the next lap of their journey which may cover from 3,000 to 15,000 km. of non-stop flight. Land Area - 1,022.6228 has.

RELIGIOUS IMAGE OF SANTO NIÑO - Considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. It was on April 14, 1521 that Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift. Forty-four years later, on April 27, 1565 when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta who formally christianized the Cebuanos, found the natives hostile. Legaspi himself besieged the settlement and set the village on fire. It was on one of the burnt houses that Juan Camus, a soldier, found the image of Sto. Niño unscratched. Since then, the miraculous image has been venerated by the Cebuanos as its Patron Saint. At present , the miraculous image is kept in the Parish Covent, and a replica is adorned with gold and precious stones and enshrined in glass. It is housed in a side altar inside the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño.

BASILICA MINOR DEL SANTO NIÑO - This church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565. The first structure of the church was, however, destroyed by fire on November 1, 1568. It was rebuilt in 1602 under the administration of Juan Albaran and was rehabilitated in 1740. On May 1965, the church was conferred the title of Basilica Minor del Santo Niño by Cardinal Antonuitte, Papal Legate during the Fourth Centennial celebration of the Christianization of Cebu.

TAOIST TEMPLE - Located at Beverly Hills, Cebu City. This temple preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher. Everyday people climb its 99 steps to light joss sticks and have their fortune read.

HEAVENLY TEMPLE OF CHARITY - Located at Peace Valley, Lahug, Cebu City. It is a temple built on top of a sacred hill. Beneath the hills, the sacred waters from a natural spring is believed to have curative effects.

PHU-SIAN TEMPLE - A Buddhist Temple, the third Chinese temple on Beverly Hills, is located at the right side of the road to the Taoist Temple.

CHAPEL OF THE LAST SUPPER - Life-sized carvings of the Lord Jesus and his 12 apostles seated at a long table for the Last Supper. This is the only one of its kind in the country. This treasured relic is found in the Church of Mandaue City that dates back to 1601.

CELESTIAL GARDEN - Located in Banawa Hills, Cebu City. Owned and managed by the Tanchan Foundation. A 12-hectare of Rolling Hills where life-size statuses depicting the drama of the stations of the cross were built.

MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS

MANDAUE-MACTAN BRIDGE - Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million. This 864-meter bridge connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu. TOPS - Situated high on top of cool Busay Hills, an excellent sight seeing spot which offers a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olango. Cottages are available for daytime picnics and instant evening parties.

BEVERLY HILLS - A scenic subdivision on Lahug Hills commands a breathtaking view of the entire city.

LILOAN LIGHTHOUSE - Found in the municipality of Liloan, around 18 kms. north of Cebu City. Built by the American in 1904.

THE NEW CEBU COLISEUM - A sports center located at Sanciangco Street where concert and ball games are usually held. YMCA - Along Osmeña Blvd. is a sports complex equipped with body building equipment, swimming pool, bowling lanes and ball game courts. Accommodation is also available.

CEBU CITY YOUTH AND SPORTS COMPLEX - Located at Abellana National School grounds, was constructed for the Palarong Pambansa 1994. The sports complex is considered the country's best today. It boasts of the following facilities: 2 grandstands which can accommodate 15,000 people, Olympic size swimming pool, rubberized oval, baseball field, and quarters for athletes and officials.

CEBU GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB - An 18-hole golf course located in Banilad, Cebu City.

ALTA VISTA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB - An exclusive membership club located in the rolling mountain ranges of Pardo, Cebu City. It commands a breathtaking view of the islands of Mactan and Bohol against the backdrop of the city straits. With a world class golf course of 60 hectares, par 72, 18 hole course covering 5,670 meters.

FUENTE OSMEÑA - A lovely circular park with a beautiful fountain in the middle. Named after Cebu's Grand Old Man, the late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr.

SPECIAL INTERESTS FIRING RANGE - A tourist come-on, located in Barangay Pusok, Lapulapu City, for pistol-shooting enthusiasts. GUITAR

FACTORIES, Maribago District, Lapulapu City - One can actually see how guitars are made. It is amazing, however, to note that while the occupation of the people is in that Mactan District, the raw materials used have to be shipped from Mindanao and nowhere on the island can be found such materials.

CEBU BOTANICAL GARDEN, Camp Marina, Capitol Hills - Plant hobbyists can see collection of greenery.

R&M PRESERVES, V. Rama Avenue, Guadalupe - A plant processing for fruit preserves like mango, orange, papaya, jackfruits, etc. Fiestas and Festivals SINULOG - Celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, is Cebu's biggest and most popular festival. The feast is in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu. Fiesta Senyor, as it is widely known , is the most celebrated among Cebu's festival where people converge along the routes of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardi gras parade immersed in wild colors and the constant beating of drums.

TRES DE ABRIL CELEBRATION - Celebrated every 3rd of April in commemoration of the Spanish resistance in the south. This historic battle under Leon Kilat's leadership gave Cebu the glory of being the first major island ourside Luzon to oppose Spanish dominance.

SANAYON - Agro-tourism festival in the southern towns of the second district about 100 kms. from the city. A month-long activity to spread out tourism to the countryside.

PASKUHAN, Cebu City/Province wide - A christmas celebration of songs and lantern making held during the month of December to spread good cheer to local residents and visitors alike.

KADAUGAN SA MACTAN, Lapu-lapu City - A one-day reenactment celebrated with pomp and pageantry every 27th of April to commemorate the historic battle of Mactan between the forces of Lapulapu and Ferdinand Magellan.

SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN, Bantayan Island - A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration highlights the Holy Week activities in Bantayan Island. The normally quiet island is visited by relatives and friends of the residents, as well as tourists to experience the solemn rites or to cool off the summer heat in the beautiful white sandy beaches and clear tropical waters.

TAGBO, Poro, Camotes Is., Cebu - Celebrated every January in honor of Patron Santo Niño de Poro. Beloved memoir of a living past, TAGBO is the cornerstone from which this great municipality has sprung. Rich in cultural heritage and deep in spiritual values, TAGBO is a very significant event preluding the birth of a town very dear to the hearts of her sons and daughters.

CASSAVA FESTIVAL, Camotes Island, Cebu - Held with the aim of creating awareness among the people on the different uses and economic opportunities offered by cultivating cassava.

CARCAR FIESTA, Carcar, Cebu - Celebrated on November 24-25 in honor of the town's patron, St. Catherine of Alexandria. Carcar town is noted for its old Spanish style houses in the quiet countryside setting . During fiestas, the residents would invite friends, relatives and town visitors into their homes to taste popular local delicacies. A lively and enjoyable event.

NUESTRA SENORA DE REGLA FIESTA, Lapulapu City - Held to honor the patroness of Opon on November 20-21, this religious and social event reveals the deep religious faith of the people and the penchant for merry making. A food fair, carnival, procession and a coronation of the Fiesta Queen highlight the festivity.

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