Magellan's Cross

Overview

Overview

In April 1521, Catholic explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on the shores of Cebu and ordered a wooden cross planted there. According to local legend, the very same cross still resides in Cebu today, housed within an eight-sided stone chapel built over 300 years later near Cebu City Hall. A large mural on the ceiling of the building depicts Magellan in the act of planting the cross. You'll see a similar painting at Fort San Pedro.

The original cross has been encased in new wood to protect it from visitors who remove small splinters of wood to take as a souvenir. Catholic devotees flock to Cebu’s most popular attraction to light a candle in front of the cross while offering up a prayer for protection. Whether or not you're religious, you should still set aside some time to visit this free attraction.
Info

Address

Magallanes Street, next to Basilica del Santo Nino
Cebu, Visayas

Categories

Sights & Landmarks

Business Hours

Speciality

Historical Monuments

Map