The Queen city of the South is well known for its pristine white sand beaches, beautiful coral reefs and alluring falls. But aside from all of these, Cebu is very rich in history as it is a confluence of the past and the present with solid proofs of its past in forms of well-preserved old churches, monuments and a lot more. Whether you are a tourist or a local who wants to travel and know about the history of the country, this is the best place to visit.

Magellan's Cross

Ferdinand Magellan is a Portuguese navigator who happened to come to the Philippines while searching for the spice islands. He became friends with Rajah Humabon and his wife Queen Juana upon landing to Cebu. He then introduced Christianity to Rajah Humabon and his followers and so they were baptized and became the first Filipino Christians in the Philippines.

Ferdinand Magellan then planted a cross where they were baptized on April 21, 1521. The cross is inside a small chapel in front of the present city hall of Cebu and besides Sto. Nino church in Magallanes street. You can buy candles from the vendors if you want to light a candle and pray inside the chapel.

We were lucky because we got to watch a mini sinulog dance just outside the Magellan's cross. I think the city hall has an important visitor during that time and so they showcased this Sinulog dance.

Lapu Lapu Shrine

Lapu lapu is a Visayan chief who killed Ferdinand Magellan during a battle when Magellan came near the island of Mactan. This 20 meter bronze statue of Rajah Lapu Lapu was built to honor him for defeating Magellan in the historical Mactan battle. The Shrine is located inside Mactan Shrine Park in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu.

Magellan Shrine

This can be found a few meters from the Lapu Lapu Shrine. This was built in honor of Ferdinand Magellan as this is where he had fallen from battling with Lapu Lapu. This is said to be over 30 meters in height making it a sight to behold.

Basilica del Sto. Niño

This is also known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child and is the oldest Roman catholic church in the country. The church has a very beautiful interiors. During the time that we went here, the church is undergoing construction and so the mass is held outside.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

This church is located at Oslob, Cebu and was established on May 4, 1830 and was completed in 1848 but the church was said to be burned down by the Filipino guerillas in 1942. After restoration, the church was burned down again 13 years later and only the image of the Immaculate conception was spared.

In front of the church is a beautiful view of the Oslob waters. I couldn't help but pose. 😂

Cuartel and Baluarte

Cuartel is supposed to serve as a military barracks for Spanish soldiers that was started in the year 1880 but due to the arrival of the Americans, it remained unfinished up until today. As written in the plaque that can be found on the cuartel, the coral stones that was used for the construction came from the remnants of the collapsed floor of the church bell.

Baluarte on the other hand is a watch tower which was built in 1788. It used to be a defense system during that time.

This is definitely a place to relax and know about the historical stories about this place while enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful coastline view. I am mesmerized.

Cebu is indeed a complete package. From the beautiful waters to the historical churches up to the heritage sites and many other tourist spots, you would be needing much time to go over all of these wonderful places. It's indeed amazing to be in the Philippines!

References:
http://www.hawaii.edu/cps/magellancross.html
http://www.everythingcebu.com/attractions/historical-sites/lapu-lapu-shrine/
http://www.peanutbrowas.com/blog/visiting-the-immaculate-conception-church-of-oslob
http://karenroldan.net/visit-cebus-historical-place-cuartel-baluarte/

All photos belong to the author @enjieneer

Camera used: Canon 700D & iPhone 6s

'Til next time,