Magellan's Cross
The cross planted in 1521, when the Philippines became Christian in a single day.
Duration
20 min – 45 min
Best time
In the morning
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
Magellan planted a cross at Cebu on 21 April 1521 and had the local chief Humabon and several hundred people baptised in short order. He was killed three weeks later on neighbouring Mactan island by Lapu-Lapu, who had refused to submit.
The cross is now enclosed inside a hollow wooden one, for protection: worshippers were chipping pieces off it, the relic being held to heal. Whether the original wood survives inside is disputed. Lapu-Lapu, for his part, has become a Philippine national hero.
Getting there
Magallanes Street, in central Cebu City, next to the Santo Niño basilica. The historic centre is all on foot.
Rules on site
The visit is very short: combine it with the Santo Niño basilica and Fort San Pedro, five minutes away. On the third Sunday of January the Sinulog festival fills the whole quarter.