Traverse-ph: Queen city of the south:Top five historical landmarks

SUGBU| The Queen City of the south. The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu island. It is the first Spanish settlement and the oldest city in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port and is home to about 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies.

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS to visit:

Magellans Cross | Magallanes Street, Cebu City

The Cross was rooted on April 21, 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 Father Pedro Valderama. In 1525-1740, the Augustinian priests built an open shrine for the cross. However, the locals began to chip off the cross believing it had miraculous power. To salvage what has remained of it, a kiosk-like structure was built as protection. Innovation has been made to the minimum and at present, a hollow cross made of “Tindalo” wood stands to incase the original cross for further protection and preservation.

Fort San Pedro | Plaza Independencia, Cebu City

The fort was named San Pedro, most probably, in honor of Legaspi’s flagship. Fort San Pedro is the smallest and oldest triangular bastion in the country, which was built in 1565 and completed over a century and a half later. The original structure of Fort San Pedro was temporarily built in such a way so as to provide immediate security from the presence of the Spanish expedition encamped within the shores of Zugbu (Cebu). It has also witnessed the different changes, struggles, and wins Cebu had gone through over time although inevitably, much of it was destroyed during the Japanese occupation when it served as a prison camp.

The present fort, a triangular structure of stone and mortar overlooking modern Cebu’s busy port, was rebuilt in 1835 to protect the Spanish settlement from pirates and marauders who used to plunder coastal villages.

Capitol Building | Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City

It was first built in front of Plaza Independencia , under the realm of the Filipino Revolutionist in 1898 and American Military in 1899. The seat of the Provincial Government is of pre-war vintage and has the undulating mountains of Cebu as its background. Majestic and imposing its high dome, the Capitol was designed by Architect Juan Arellano (1936) and it was relocated geographically along Osmeña Boulevard. Seen as a replica of the United States’ White House, it is one of the many beautiful capitol buildings in the country, constructed in 1937 under the administration of Governor Sotero Cabahug.
“We cannot leave to our posterity the legacy of a life without difficulties and struggles. If we do, we would develop a weak and impotent nation, unfit to survive by its own strength and courage.” -- Sergio Osmeña, Sr.

Lapu-Lapu Monument | Mactan Shrine, Lapu-Lapu City

The monument is dedicated to Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero which stands inside the Mactan Shrine facing Magellan Bay. Lapu-Lapu is considered as the greatest fighter in Philippine history because he was among those who rejected foreign power. He was the chieftain of the area during his time, and defeated Ferdinand Magellan, the leader of the Spanish fleet, in the famous Battle of Mactan.

Taoist Temple | Beverly Hills, Cebu City

Taoist Temple is a concrete reminder of the well-established Chinese Community in Cebu City who has contributed much towards the industrialization of Cebu. The temple was built around 1964 and is a classic example of Chinese architecture which houses the teachings of Lao-Tse (600 B.C. Chinese philosopher). Everyday tourist would climb its 81 "stair steps" (representing the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures), light joss sticks and have their fortune read. Today, the structure depicts Chinese architecture shared to Philippine culture.

Experience Cebu!