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Best Things to Do
Popular Best Things to Do in Cebu City [2025]
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Magellan's Cross
4.4
/5
397 reviews
5.0
Based on 1,847 reviews
Cebu Downtown | 3.1 km from downtown
Phone +63789456321
Address: 7WV2+CQG, P. Burgos St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Magellan's Cross inside hexagonal pavilion
Sunday morning devotion in Cebu
Saved by 462 users193 positive reviews
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Magellan's Cross is located in Cebu City, Philippines. It is an important historical and cultural landmark of the country. In 1521, the Portuguese navigator Magellan led a fleet to Cebu Island, where he preached Catholicism. On April 14, Father Pedro Valderama held a baptism ceremony for the indigenous chieftain Rajah Humabon, his wife Queen Juana and 400 other indigenous people. In memory of this ceremony, Magellan erected the cross.
·Architectural features: The cross is placed in a hexagonal pavilion. The ceiling mural of the pavilion retains the scene of Magellan landing on Cebu Island. The priest on the ship held a baptism ceremony for the first batch of Filipino Catholics. The colors are bright and realistic.
In fact, the cross above was erected when the original cross should have been sealed inside, and the wood should have been broken. In the end, Magellan also died in Cebu. It was a pity when he attacked other tribes on the opposite side.
. Religious significance: Magellan's Cross is an important symbol of the development of Christianity in the Philippines, marking the beginning of Catholicism in the Philippines and witnessing the transformation of Filipinos' religious beliefs. It attracts many believers and tourists to worship and visit every year.
. Historical significance: It is an important witness to the great historical event of Magellan's circumnavigation of the world, representing the spirit of exploration in the Age of Discovery, and also reflects the beginning of the history of the Philippines' colonial rule.
It's a beautiful Catholic church in Cebu. Old and original during Spanish colonization. Worth to visit for tourists definitely.
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Cebu Ocean Park
4.6
/5
36 reviews
4.9
From AU$ 18.08
Cebu Downtown | 3.9 km from downtown
Phone +63328885288
Address: SM Seaside Complex, F. Vestil St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Cebu City
Highlights:
Marine life habitat exploration
Bird show & interactive experience
Saved by 325 users95% positive reviews
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my third time coming here, came in early and didn't get the chance to see the bird show (starts at 12nn) because we need to eat lunch outside 😆 but it's fine because I get to see the feeding show at the big aquarium and a baby penguin near the cafe area next to the souvenir shop
this is a great place to see underwater species to see and to know them. i went there with my family and we had so much fun. well recommended to visit
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Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu
4.6
/5
280 reviews
4.5
Based on 2,178 reviews
Cebu Downtown | 3 km from downtown
Phone +63322556697
Address: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Museum showcases Cebu's century-old relics
Queue to worship the Holy Child
Saved by 337 users143 positive reviews
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At night, the Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu emanates a majestic and serene atmosphere. The facade is often illuminated, highlighting its Spanish colonial architecture, while soft lights create a tranquil ambiance around the church ground. The surrounding areas may feature gentle night sounds, contributing to a peaceful and spiritual experience.
It was nice to visit Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. Lots of people are going there to pray and lit a candle. You can also see some Saints Relics inside the Church. It was.also nice to attend the.mass outside the church building because it was celebrated in an open air. You can also see.the famous Magellan's Cross.
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