Create your free account
Sign in to your account
Search over 1 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide
Members save 10% more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Sign up.
Free cancellation on most hotels. Because flexibility matters.
Magellan's Cross
Visit the ornate Spanish pavilion that shelters the holy relic of Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City. Established by Spanish and Portuguese explorers on the orders of the famous voyager Ferdinand Magellan, the cross marks the beginning of the Philippines’ Catholicization and is an important religious and historic landmark in the city. Admire the chapel’s pretty architecture and see the centuries-old cross against a backdrop of painted scenes on the ceiling.
Walk across the paved square from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to reach the octagonal stone chapel, which was built in 1834 to protect the holy relic. The chapel has large arched doorways and a red-tiled roof. Make your way through one of the arches and gaze up at the fabled cross. Locals say that Catholicism in the Philippines began on this very site with the baptism of King Humabon and Queen Juana. Check out the paintings on the chapel’s ceiling, which depict the stories of Magellan reaching Cebu Island’s shores, planting a cross and baptizing the Filipino chieftain.
Read the small plaque beneath the cross explaining that the original crucifix has been encased in tindalo timber to protect it from the elements. Some believe the original cross was damaged by devotees who wished to chip off pieces of wood to keep as souvenirs or miraculous relics. Others say the original cross was destroyed or stolen shortly after Magellan’s death and was quickly replaced by the replica you see today.
Although no one can say which of these stories is true, Magellan’s Cross is a wonderful place to enjoy the atmosphere of a significant pilgrimage site. Take part in the local tradition of placing a coin or a small prayer candle at the base of the cross.
Magellan’s Cross is located in historic Santo Niño, about a 25-minute walk from the Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal. Reach the area easily by bus to nearby Cebu City Hall. The chapel is free to visit. It is within a short walking distance from some of Cebu’s most significant historic sites, including Fort San Pedro and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Guide to Exploring around Magellan's Cross
Best Lodging Options Near Magellan's Cross
Per night/room
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Sampaguita Suites Plaza Garcia
Plaza Garcia Building Magallanes St, Cebu, CebuLocated in Downtown Cebu, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Senior Citizen's Park and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Fuente Osmena Circle and University of San Carlos are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Per night/room
Jun 13 - Jun 14
8th Street Guesthouse Sto Nino Cebu
Front DTI-Cebu Prov, Corner Osmeña Blvd and Lapu-Lapu St, Cebu, CebuLocated in Downtown Cebu, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, Magellan's Cross, and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Heritage of Cebu Monument and University of San Carlos are also within 15 minutes.
Bulacs property
Plaridel street, Mandaue, Cebu, Central VisayasLocated in Downtown Cebu, this guesthouse is within a 10-minute walk of Magellan's Cross and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Heritage of Cebu Monument and University of San Carlos are also within 15 minutes.
HappyNest Hostel Cebu
Lapu-Lapu St, Behind Toyota MJ Cuenco, Cebu, Central VisayasLocated in Downtown Cebu, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and University of San Carlos. Fuente Osmena Circle and Cebu Business Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Fortuna
26 A. BORROMEO STREET,, Cebu, Central VisayasLocated in Downtown Cebu, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Carbon Market, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and University of San Carlos. Fuente Osmena Circle and Cebu Business Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Per night/room
Jun 26 - Jun 27
RedDoorz near Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Logarta Street, San Roque, CebuLocated in Downtown Cebu, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Museo Parian, Heritage of Cebu Monument, and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Magellan's Cross and University of San Carlos are also within 15 minutes.
Per night/room
May 28 - May 29
Palm Grass Hotel
68 Junquera Street, Cebu, Central VisayasLocated in Downtown Cebu, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum, University of San Carlos, and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Fuente Osmena Circle and Cebu Business Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Hotel Sogo Cebu
0197 Sanciangco St. Bgy. Kalubihan, Cebu, CebuLocated in Downtown Cebu, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cebu Coliseum, University of San Carlos, and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Fuente Osmena Circle and Cebu Business Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Plan your trip to Magellan's Cross
