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Magellan's Cross, Cebu City

3.5

#3 of 129 in Historic Sites in Visayas

Historic Site Tourist Spot

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Housed in a small octagonal chapel in downtown Cebu, Magellan's Cross stands under a ceiling depicting images of the Portuguese adventurer’s arrival to the Philippines and his blood pact with Rajah Humabon. Believed to be the cross planted by the Portuguese and the Spaniards on Magellan’s orders, after the first ever mass conducted in the Philippines by fleet chaplain Pedro Valderrama in 1521, the original cross is encased by a second cross, made from tindalo wood. The chapel sits close to a basilica, and also to the place where an important image of Jesus was reportedly discovered in the mid-16th century. Our Cebu City day trip planning site makes visiting Magellan's Cross and other Cebu City attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.

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Magellan's Cross Reviews

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1,807 reviews

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4.4

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53 likes

• By Columbus-Polo

  Well if you have read it's history, there's nothing to explain, because it's a self explanatory. But, being here is like being part of the history, it's next to the Basilica.  more »

• By thompsen-11

  It is an iconic shed in the city worth a visit it can be crowded during the weekend specially Sunday.  more »

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• By MisterCMT

  I never thought this small gazebo or dome is part of the Philippines christian history. I was expecting that the cross will be in a big church but it was a bit small. Historically speaking it was amazing and surreal, because it is as I have said part of the history of the Philippines. You can buy 10 candles for 100 Pesos ($2) either you leave it at the foot of the cross or take it home with you as a souvenir. I prefer the later. Get yourself a good selfie to tell everybody you went to the Historic Magellan’s Cross.

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• By Robert Alsup

  We went here in November 2016, and thought it worth the time. The architecture and paintings were fun to look at, but if you could actually see the cross instead of the wood box holding it, that would be better. The old church around the corner is interesting and appealing, very inviting. A must see.

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