Sights and landmarks in Cebu City

Sights and landmarks in Cebu City

1. See

   Basilica of Santo Niño

   Basilica del Santo Niño (Basilica of the Holy Child)

   A large and venerable church that traces its history to the founding of the convent of the Santo Niño de Cebu in 1565. It contains a statue of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) that is regarded as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. The statue was presented by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana during the baptism of King Humabon and his wife Queen Juana on 14 April 1521. The natives of Cebu were formally Christianized by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Father Andres de Urdaneta on 27 April 1565. However, as they found the natives hostile, the village was set on fire. Later on, in a burnt-out house, a soldier named Juan Camus found the statue untouched. This was proclaimed a miracle. The statue, adorned with gold and precious stones, is in a glass case to the left of the altar. The church sees a constant stream of devotees praying at pews in the sanctuary and in front of statues of saints. The Basilica del Santo Niño Museum (open Tu-Su 8-11:45AM, 1:30-4:45PM) contains the vestments used to dress the Santo Niño and jewellery offered to the Santo Niño for use during his feast on the third Sunday of January.

   PHP 30 for museum

2. See

   Casa Gorordo Museum

   A well-preserved Spanish colonial mansion constructed largely of wood, set in a pleasant, manicured garden. The lower floor has a collection of old tools, and an A/C room that has changing displays such as art exhibitions. The more interesting upstairs level was the former living quarters of the Gorordo family. It features lovely carved wooden furniture and a wide patio. The kitchen is particularly interesting, as it contains a traditional dirt stove, a wooden food safe, and a traditional dish drying rack fitted to the outside of the window.

   Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM·Adults PHP 70

3. See

   Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

   A church built in 1565 by the first Spanish missionaries in Cebu, seat of an Archbishop who has subordinate Bishops in many cities of the Visayas. It was mostly destroyed during World War II and had been rebuilt a bit differently. Behind the church is a cemetery where several prominent churchmen including Cardinal Rosales are buried.

4. See

   Cebu Provincial Museum

   Museo Sugbo

   The museum is housed in the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, which was once the Carcel de Cebu. Its four Spanish-era buildings made of coral stone contain artifacts relating to the history of Cebu.

   PHP 75

5. See

   Colon St

   Brave the cacophonous traffic to see the oldest street in the Philippines with some nice worn-out classical buildings dating back to the American Era. At night, this street transforms into a market with good buys everywhere. Be wary of pickpockets though.

6. See

   Fort San Pedro

   Fuerza de San Pedro

   The smallest Spanish outpost in the Philippines during the colonial era. It has a small museum showcasing the wreckage and treasures from the sunken San Diego galleon from Mexico. The area is scenic with the newly renovated and open-air Plaza Independencia at the entrance.

   Adults, PHP 30; students, PHP 20; senior citizens, PHP 24

7. See

   Heritage of Cebu

   A massive and particularly detailed monument showcasing the heritage of Cebu from the old Spanish to the American colonial era.

8. See

   Jesuit House Museum

   Yet another heritage house museum, this one the residence of a Jesuit from around 1730. Inside looks like a Spanish galleon.

   ₱50

9. See

   Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum

   A museum that pays homage to the musical heritage of Cebu. This museum is operated under the Tipiganan sa mga Handumanan sa Kanta ug Kinaiyang Sugbuanon (Treasury of Memories) Foundation. In the old building of The Freeman Newspaper.

10. See

    Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary And Art Gallery

    Where you can go to see Lepidoptera and other entomology exhibits, including a butterfly and art garden, although it's pretty scrunched in to an urban environment.

11. See

    Magellan's Cross

    An octagonal building decorated with murals containing a large wooden cross that commemorates the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan who planted a wooden cross upon converting the original inhabitants to Christianity. A plaque states that the visible wooden cross contains the original cross, but some historians say the original cross was reduced to firewood by local inhabitants when the Magellan fleet headed elsewhere. Take time to appreciate the various candle sellers who dance around during worship and while selling the candles.

    Free

12. See

    Provincial Capitol

    Particularly scenic at night, is by far the largest provincial capitol building anywhere in the entire archipelago. It was built during the American era, and the design is a miniature of the White House.

13. See

    Rizal Memorial Museum

    Paintings and sculptures by local artists and antiques donated by wealthy Cebuanos.

    9AM-5PM·PHP 20

14. See

    Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum

    Small exhibit hall on Chinese heritage in Cebu. This building (the Gotiaoco Building), also has a mural of the Magellan's Cross shrine and other Cebu highlights on its backside.

15. See

    Temple of Leah

    Neo-grecian temple built onto the mountainside to memoralize Leah Villa Albino Adarna, the wife of a local entrepreneur family and grandmother of actress Ellen Adarna. Also contains displays of upper-class furniture and souvenirs from their travels.

    PHP 120 on weekdays, PHP 150 on weekends

16. See

    The Chinese Taoist Temple

    There are many people of Chinese ancestry in Cebu, and several Chinese temples; one is the Taoist Temple. From there you can see a nice view of the city because it is on a hill.

17. See

    Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

    Another historic house, this one from the 17th century, with hand-carved furniture and a garden. It does indeed look old/cryptic.

    ₱50

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cebu City (CC BY-SA 4.0).