Cebu :
Historical Tourist Attractions
MAGELLAN MARKER
Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City about 20 kms. from Cebu City. Encouraged
by the success of Christianizing the people of Cebu, Magellan crossed
the channel to Mactan Island in an effort to spread the faith. Before
he reached the shores, he was killed by the chieftain of the island,
Lapulapu and his men during the battle for supremacy and freedon on
April 27, 1521. Efforts to retrieve the body of Magellan were futile
inspite of the offer to trade jewelries and spices for his dead body.
This marker was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great explorer
died.
MAGELLAN'S CROSS
Magellan St. - Planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, this
marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon
and Queen Juana and about 400 followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro
Valderama. In 1525 to 1740, the Agustinian priests built an open shrine
for the cross, but the natives began to take chips from the cross
believing it had miraculous power, so a kiosk destruction took place.
To protect it further, a hollow cross of tindalo wood was made to
encase the original cross which still stands today.
FORT SAN PEDRO
Pier Area, Cebu City - The smallest, oldest tri-bastion fort in the
country. This served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement
in the Philippines. It has a total inside area of 2,025 sq. meters.
The walls are 20 feet high, 8 feet thick and towers are 30 feet high
from the ground level. Work first started on May 8, 1565 with MIGUEL
LOPEZ DE LEGAZPI breaking the ground. After the battle of Manila Bay,
Commodore George Dewey turned the forth to the local Cebuanos; then
it became an American Warwick Barracks during the American Regime
which was later converted into classrooms where the Cebuanos received
formal education.
During World War II, from 1941 to 1945,
it served as fortification for Japanese soldier, when the battle for
liberation ws fought, the fort served as an army cam. After 1950,
Cebu Garden Club took over and fixed the inner court into a miniature
garden. For a couple of years it also housed th eCebu City Zoo. In
1978 to August 15, 1993, it housed the offices of the Department of
Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority. At present, it is under
the care and administration of the National Museum.
LAPULAPU MONUMENT
Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City - Site where the battle between
Mactan Island Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand
Magellan occured in April 27, 1521. It depicts the hero holding a
bolo in one hand and a pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed
to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands
as a reminder of Filipino bravery.
UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS
P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City - The oldest school in the country established
in 1565. This was formerly called Colegio de San Ildefonso established
by the Jesuits.
COLON STREET
Downtown Area, Cebu City - This is also known as Parian District,
the oldest street in the Philippines built by the Spaniards during
the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Named after Christopher Colombus,
it is the heart of downtown Cebu, a glittering city by night lined
with moviehouses, restaurants, department stores, and other business
establishments.
CAPITOL BUILDING
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City - The seat of the Provincial government,
is of pre-war vintage and has the undulating mountains of Cebu for
its background. Majestic and imposing, its high dome can be seen along
Osmeña Boulevard. A replica of the United States' White House.
One of the many beautiful capitol buildings in the country, constructed
in 1937 under the admnistration of Governor Sotero Cabahug.
CASA GORORDO MUSEUM
35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City - Located in Lopez Jaena Street, is
the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. A tour inside this
residence is a brief journey into a Filipino lifestyle in a particular
period between 1860 to 1920. The place presently features noted paintings,
museum relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture.
Open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn and
1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Admission fee for adults
is PHP 15.00 adn 5.00 for children.
FORT SAN PEDRO NATIONAL MUSEUM
Legaspi Ext., Cebu City - A product of years of research, the collection
in view are anthropological and biological. The anthropological section
portrays the cultural development and influence into society and its
close affinity with the people of South East Asia. The biological
section presents samples of the flora and fauna of teh country in
general and Cebu in particular.
Admission fee PHP 5.00 per person;
open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 1:30 pm to 5:30
pm; Saturday from 8:00 am to 12 nn only.
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