Magellan's Cross in Cebu: Complete Travel Guide

Like to visit this site? Share it with your friends.

Important Information
Brief Description:	This site commemorates the beginning of the Christian faith in Cebu through the Gazebo of Magellan's Cross. The history of the island can be traced back to 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan sailed here.
Location:	P. Burgos Street, Cebu City, Cebu
Entrance Fee:	FREE
Contacts:	(032) 255-6697
Opening/Closing Time:	8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Get Direction:

Table of Contents

What is Magellan’s Cross?

Upon arriving in Cebu on April 21, 1521, the explorers of the Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan planted the Magellan’s Cross which refers to the original wooden cross.

To protect the original cross from people who chipped away parts, it was said that it was encased inside another wooden cross that is made of tindalo wood in 1835. Some people believe that the cross possesses miraculous powers.

However, many historians believe that the cross was destroyed.

Also check: Cebu Safari and Adventure Park: Fun Experience

What to Look For in Magellan’s Cross?

Here are some expected things to see:

Magellan’s Cross Pavilion
Magellan’s Cross
Mural Ceiling

Magellan’s Cross Pavilion

Magellan’s Cross Pavilion is a stone kiosk that houses the tindalo cross (Magellan’s Cross) and was built sometime in the 1800s. The structure is an octagonal kiosk made of coral stone.

Magellan’s Cross

When Ferdinand Magellan led the first circumnavigation of the world in 1521, explorers from the Spanish expedition planted the Magellan’s Cross upon reaching Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521.

Refers to the original wooden cross planted by Spanish explorers.

Mural Ceiling

A mural on the ceiling of the pavilion shows Ferdinand Magellan planting a wooden cross and baptizing Rajah Humabon and his household by Father Pedro Valderrama. The ceiling is engraved with the names of the artists.

Their names are Jess Roa and Serry M. Josol. The specific year is unknown, but it was probably added sometime in 1960’s renovation.

A Brief History

This site commemorates the beginning of the Christian faith in Cebu through the Gazebo of Magellan’s Cross. The history of the island can be traced back to 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan sailed here.

Antonio Pigafetta reported that a cross was erected when they arrived in Cebu as a symbol of how they wanted faith to spread throughout the land.

During the baptism of Rajah Humabon, Pigafetta reported,

“A large cross was set up in the middle of the square. The captain told them that if they wished to become Christians as they had declared on the previous days, that they must burn all their idols and set up a cross in their place. They were to adore that cross daily with clasped hands, and every morning after their [i.e. the Spaniards] custom, they were to make the sign of the cross (which the captain showed them how to make); and they ought to come hourly, at least in the morning, to that cross, and adore it kneeling. The intention that they had already declared, they were to confirm with good works.”

It is debated among historians whether the cross of Magellan survived. Antonio de Herrera states that,

“The Cebuanos, after killing the captains of Magellan (which was the massacre of May 1, 1521), tried to pull it out but they were not able to do it.”

This view was supported by many historians, including the Augustinian chroniclers. Although Magellan’s original cross was not yet successfully dismantled in 1521, logic suggests that it was destroyed long ago.

One thing that is certain is that another cross was erected in the traditional spot where Magellan placed his cross in 1521.

The Augustinians’ Legazpi expedition of 1565 put a cross in front of their home. During the conflagration on November 1, 1566, this cross was saved. The fact that it survived the fire made it venerated as miraculous.

Tradition refers to it as the “Cross of the Spaniards”, until recently it was known as “Magellan’s Cross“.

Magellan’s Cross Gazebo is not only a cultural landmark of Cebu City, but a religious site for the entire province. A commanding standard inspired Christian action in every native’s heart, as Ferdinand Magellan suggested approaching the cross with devotion and faith.

Since then, it has also been a center of devotion in addition to the Church where the Sto Niño De Cebu is enthroned. Furthermore, it was also a devotional object that fell into extreme pious practices such as chipping away at the wood as a religious memento.

Became a National Cultural Treasure (NCT)

As part of the 500 Years of the Introduction of Christianity celebrations on April 14, 2021, the Magellan’s Cross was proclaimed a National Cultural Treasure (NCT) by the National Museum, through the National Quincentennial Committee of the Philippine Government.

The Best Time to Visit Magellan’s Cross

You should visit there during the weekdays if you want to avoid heavy traffic. For those who don’t like crowded places, it is wise to pay attention to special events such as the Feast of Sto Nino De Cebu.

To celebrate the Feast of Senyor Sto Nino here in Cebu, we hold the Sinulog Festival. Novenas will also take place before the feast day, so it is likely to be very crowded during these days.

And we celebrate the Feast day on the 3rd Sunday of January.

How to Get There?

Using Google Maps or Waze will give you directions if you’re driving there in your own car. Just search for “Magellan’s Cross and The Cross of Magellan Historical Marker”.

Alternatively, you can ride a jeepney (9G or 10G) in Basak or Pardo. You can request the driver to drop you off at Magellan’s Cross or Sto. Nino De Cebu.

Taking a taxi would also be an option if you are a tourist in Cebu and have no idea where you are going.