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Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross: Where Philippine History Began

In the center of Cebu City, steps away from bustling shopping streets, stands a small octagonal pavilion of coral stone. Inside is a wooden cross, surrounded by the scent of candles and quiet prayers. This is Magellan's Cross — the place where, five hundred years ago, the history of the Philippines as we know it began.

On April 14, 1521, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, sailing under the Spanish crown, landed on the shores of Cebu. He came not as a conqueror but as a guest of the local ruler — Rajah Humabon. And he brought not just goo...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum0.25 hours
Recommended0.5 hours
Maximum0.5 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

Free admission. Donations welcome. Candles available for purchase from local vendors.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid midday heat and crowds. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. The Sinulog Festival in January (third Sunday) offers a unique cultural experience but expect massive crowds.

Crowd Level

High — many people

How to Get There

Located in downtown Cebu City, easily accessible by taxi, Grab, or jeepney. From SM City Cebu, take a taxi (10 minutes, around 80-100 PHP) or jeepney marked "Carbon" and alight at Colon Street, then walk 5 minutes to Plaza Sugbo. From Mactan-Cebu International Airport, take a taxi or Grab (45-60 minutes, 300-400 PHP).

What to Expect

A small octagonal kiosk houses the historic cross, protected by an ornate pavilion with a beautiful painted ceiling. The area is usually bustling with local vendors selling candles and religious items. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes here. The site is free to enter and is best combined with a visit to the adjacent Basilica del Santo Niño and Fort San Pedro nearby.

When to Visit

Best Time

DecJanFebMarApr

Good Time

MayNov

Avoid

JunJulAugSepOct

Facilities & Services

outdoor
photo spot
vendors

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Monday08:00 — 18:00
Tuesday08:00 — 18:00
Wednesday08:00 — 18:00
Thursday08:00 — 18:00
Friday08:00 — 18:00
Saturday08:00 — 18:00
Sunday08:00 — 18:00
Note

Magellan's Cross is a wooden cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when baptizing the first Filipinos. Located in a chapel near Basilica del Santo Niño. Original cross inside modern casing. Candle rituals by local women.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Fully accessible

faq.title

faq.subtitle Magellan's Cross

The original cross is believed to be encased within the current wooden cross. In the past, devotees chipped away pieces believing it had miraculous healing powers, so a protective casing was added. Some historians debate whether any of the original 1521 cross remains.

As a religious site, modest dress is recommended. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops, short shorts, and revealing clothing.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather25°
93%3 м/с
Todayweather30°24°
Tomorrowweather29°24°
Thuweather27°24°
Friweather26°25°
Satweather28°25°
Sunweather28°24°
Monweather26°25°
30°
24°Jan
31°
24°Feb
32°
25°Mar
33°
26°Apr
33°
26°May
32°
26°Jun
31°
25°Jul
31°
25°Aug
31°
25°Sep
31°
25°Oct
31°
25°Nov
30°
24°Dec
Water temperature
27°
27°
28°
29°
30°
29°
29°
29°
29°
29°
28°
27°

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