Attractions

Inspired by his success in bringing Christianity to the people of Cebu, Ferdinand Magellan crossed the narrow channel to Mactan Island in an effort to spread the Catholic faith. Whilst leading his army of men during the battle for supremacy and freedom on April 27, 1521, he was killed by island chieftain Lapu Lapu. Magellan's body was never recovered and in 1866 a marker was erected as a monument to this great explorer, marking the spot that Magellan was slain.

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Built in 1565, this military defense structure was the brainchild of the conqueror of the Philippines, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country, over the years it has served as an army barracks, a Filipino rebel stronghold, a prison and city zoo.

It is now a peaceful, crumbling ruin that offers visitors a respite from the chaos of downtown Cebu, especially at sunset. A beautiful structure, with walled gardens, it is triangular, with two sides facing the sea.

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Santo Nino Basilica is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines that houses the oldest relic, Santo Nino – a carving of a young Jesus depicted as a black child, dating back to Magellan's time (16th century). It was founded by an Augustine priest (hence its former name, San Augustine Church) Andres de Urdaneta, in 1569. Having being burnt down three times, it was rebuilt in its current form in 1737.

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