Attraction

Magellan's Cross

Philippines

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Opening Hours8 AM – 6 PM

Visit DurationAround an hour

Suitable ForAdults, Seniors, Young adults, Families

Overview

The Portugese navigator Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to sail to Cebu, where he planted a cross to mark the event of baptising the first Filipinos to accept Christianity. This included the native chief, Rajah Humabon and his wife Queen Juana as well as 400 or more followers. This event took place on April 14, 1521. Today the original cross is secured in a small chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino on Magallanes Street. The cross is considered as an important symbol of Roman Catholicism and is a very popular historical landmark that is several tourists visiting Cebu come to see. You can also pay a visit to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, as it is one the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was contrsucted in 1735 and was made a basilica in 1965 by Pope John Paul VI. You will also find stalls selling souvenirs, guitars and handmade items.

Prayer Facilities

The Mosques near the attraction are the Al-Khairiah Mosque and the Green Mosque which can be reached within driving distance. There are no prayer facilities at the site itself for Muslim traveling to that part of the city

Halal Food

You can always ask locals if there are any Halal restaurants near the location. Before placing orders for food, you can ask the staff if they serve Halal food at their restaurant just to be safe. Cebu does have fair selection of Halal restaurants in the city.