Top Historical Places in Cebu City

Let's witness the history of Cebu City with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:

1. Basilica Del Santo Nino

   4.7 (3081 Votes)
   

   Church, Religious Site, Observatory, Historical Site

   One of the most famous landmarks in Cebu, the Basilica Del Santo Nino is also amongst the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Philippines. The basilica is a sight worth revering when it is all decked up during the Sinulog Festival. The church was made on the spot where an image of child Jesus was found by Spanish explorers in the 16th Century. The church is made of hard stone and the interiors ar...Read more

2. Magellan's Cross

   4.4 (3890 Votes)
   

   Church, Religious Site, Observatory, Architecture

   Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross that was commissioned by Portuguese and Spanish explorers on the orders of Ferdinand Magellan to commemorate their arrival in Cebu during the 16th century. This cross is housed in a chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street, near the city centre . A sign below the cross describes that the original cross is encased inside ...Read more

3. Cebu Taoist Temple

   

   Religious Site, Temple, Observatory, Historical Site

   The Cebu Taoist temple is one of the prettiest sights of Cebu city. It was built in 1972 by the wealthy Chinese community of the city and since then has attracted a number of devotees and tourists alike. The temple stands proudly tall, at an elevation of about 900 feet from sea level. Tranquil peace engulfs you as you enter the Taoist Temple, a calm spirituality takes over the scattered mind. T...Read more

4. Fort San Pedro

   4.2 (3974 Votes)
   

   Educational Site, Historical Site, Architecture , Fort

   Fort San Pedro dates back to 1565. Built as a defensive fortress under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, the fort protected the city by Muslim invaders. The fort has played many roles; that of a prison camp, a mini zoo and now a handsome ruin. The views from the fort are spectacular because two sides of it are facing the sea.  A welcome getaway from the chaos of the city, the ...Read more

5. Lapu Lapu Statue

   4.1 (1914 Votes)
   

   Outdoors, Landmark, Observatory, Educational Site

   Lapu-Lapu, Cebu’s local hero is well known for his resistance of the Spanish rule. He is said to have fought them valiantly and is responsible for the death of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. In honour of this brave man and his fight for his land, a 66 feet tall statue and monument have been erected by the Philippine government at Mactan. The history is clearly depicted here and t...Read more

6. Yap Sandiego Ancestral House

   4.4 (4256 Votes)
   

   Outdoors, Landmark, Educational Site, Historical Site

   This historic house is close to two centuries old. The house is owned by Maria Florido and Don Juan Yap and has been preserved beautifully. A visit here sheds light upon the lifestyles and architecture of people hundreds of years ago. Unlike a regular museum, the house is more informal and you even get to touch and feel the objects. Still retaining most of its original structure, the house is m...Read more

7. Cebu Heritage Monument

   

   Monument, Architecture , Heritage Building

   The Heritage of Cebu Monument is an illustration of sculptures made of concrete, bronze, brass and steel portraying scenes that shaped Cebu city. The construction of the monument began in July 1997 and it was finished in December 2000. Built by local artist Eduardo Castrillo who along with Senator Marcelo Fernan successfully built the monument with donations from other private individuals and o...Read more

8. The Ruins Talisay

   4.4 (895 Votes)
   

   Outdoors, Landmark, Educational Site, Ancient Ruin

   Sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built this ten bedroom Italianate mansion in honour of his wife, who died when she was pregnant with her 11th child. Located on a sugar plantation in the Negros Occidental province of the Philippines, this mansion is the skeletal of a glorious, heroic past. WWII Filipino guerrillas set the house on fire in order to prevent invading Japanese forces from bei...Read more

9. Museo Sugbo

   4.3 (2374 Votes)
   

   Museum, Educational Site, Historical Site

   Once the Provincial Jail of Cebu , this museum was incorporated at this historic place in 2004 and since has attracted thousands of visitors for not just the uniqueness of the location but also the richness of its exhibits. The exhibitions take visitors through various phases of Philippine history; right from the Stone Age to the revolution of 1898 to even the American Liberation. The lives of ...Read more

10. Simala Shrine

    4.7 (1144 Votes)
    

    Religious Site, Outdoors, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Marian Shrine stands in the hilly area of upper Lindogon in barangay Simala, Sibonga town. It was built by the congregation of Marian Monks in 1998 when the image, brought here from Pampanga, rumoured to show miracles during the height of an epidemic that killed many people in that community. Aside from its striking castle like structure, local folks and the monks of Simala Church claim tha...Read more

11. 1730 Jesuit House

    4.6 (2932 Votes)
    

    Historical Site, Architecture

    Nestled behind the high concrete walls right in the heart of the Parian district in Cebu City, the Jesuit House is an 18th century house that has been remarkably preserved throughout the years. Built in 1730, the Jesuit house provides valuable insight into life, religion and architecture of 18th century. This was originally the residence of a Jesuit superior, from the Society of Jesus which is ...Read more

12. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

    4.5 (1313 Votes)
    

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is a 15th century cathedral that has weathered the world war and many natural calamities. Today, it is a grand building that is an amalgamation of Spanish architecture and Philippian influences. The Corinthian columns and arched stained glass windows give the church a beautiful look. The altar is adorned with gold and is absolutely breath-taking. A number of loca...Read more

13. Cathedral Museum Of Cebu

    4.3 (849 Votes)
    

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Cathedral museum is a museum of regional church artifacts and architecture. Recently refurbished and reopened only in 2006, the church showcases a number of interesting catholic objects and manuscripts, dating back to Spanish colonial times. The Carmen collection is extremely intriguing with its display of tabernacles, alter panels. A host of old photographs showcase the evolution and influ...Read more

14. Colon Obelisk

    3.4 (7 Votes)
    

    Historical Site, Monument

    Colon Obelisk is a tall monument which is situated right in the middle of the street and details the historical significance of Colon. At the ends of the street, there are several markers on the lamppost which consist of information regarding the houses or the establishment which were in the area. Colon Obelisk is situated on the oldest street of Philippines and while passing Colon St, you coul...Read more