DIY Cebu Heritage Walking Tour Itinerary: Explore Philippines' Oldest City
By Angel Macaraig - Friday, March 04, 2016
If you're planning to explore the Philippines, Cebu is probably on top of your list. From its interesting heritage sites, crystal clear beaches to its amazing food/ delicacies, and exciting outdoor adventures (name it!!), Cebu is definitely a must-visit place.
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| DIY Cebu Heritage Walking Tour Itinerary: Exploring Philippines' Oldest City |
It was 2013 when I first witnessed the beauty of Cebu. This place has captured my heart to the point that I keep on coming back annually. In fact late this year, I'm set to fly again to Cebu. Hurrah!!
A portion of my Cebu trip last 2013 was rediscovering the Philippines' oldest city through a heritage walking tour. I'm a budget traveler so I plan my own trips. I made a lot of research - thanks to the Internet I was able to formulate my own Cebu City Heritage Walking Tour Itinerary. So here it is...
Disclaimer: This itinerary was inspired by some websites cited at the end of this article.
1. Fort San Pedro
First stop was the Fort San Pedro, the oldest and smallest triangular Fort in the Philippines. It was built by the Cebuano and Spanish laborers in 1738 under Miguel Lopez de Legaspi's command as a military defense structure against Muslim raiders. Since its built is triangular, it has three sides: two fronting the sea and one facing the land.
If you're not familiar with the place, I suggest that you take a cab from your hotel going to Fort San Pedro.
Location: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, 6000
I will share with you my Fort San Pedro experience in a separate article. Watch out for it. :)
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| Fort San Pedro |
2. MalacaƱang sa Subgo
You'll find the MalacaƱang sa Sugbo (MalacaƱang of Cebu) at the back of Fort San Pedro. In 1920, it was originally built to be the office of Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Cebu city port, but it is now the official residence of the Philippines' president in the Visayas region.
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| Malacanang sa Sugbo |
3. Plaza Independencia
Just adjacent to Fort San Pedro is the Plaza Independencia, a popular park that witnessed the very rich history of Cebu. At its very heart is where the obelisk dedicated to Miguel Lopez de Legaspi (the first Spanish governor-general of the Philippines) was built.
Location: M.J. Cuenco and Legaspi Extension, Brgy. San Roque, Cebu City
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| Plaza Independencia |
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| Obelisk dedicated to Miguel Lopez de Legaspi |
4. Magellan's Cross
Exit from Plaza Independencia via M.J. Cuenco Avenue gate, cross the road and take Osmena Boulevard until you reach the 2nd intersection. Turn left on P. Burgos street and walk until you reach the Plaza Sugbo. From there, you will see Magellan's Cross. One of the landmarks you need to remember aside from the plaza is the City Hall.
Let's now talk about history (lol). This cross was planted by the Spaniards on March 15, 1521, as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan, when they first arrived in Cebu.
Location: Santo NiƱo, Cebu City
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| Magellan's Cross | I'm so happy that I was able to take a very decent shot of it |
5. Basilica Del Santo NiƱo
Near the Magellan's Cross is where the Basilica Del Santo NiƱo (also known as Santo NiƱo Basilica) is situated. Founded in 1565, this Basilica is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. It is also said to be the head of all Churches in the country.
Location: Santo NiƱo Chapel Ln, Cebu City
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| Basilica Del Santo NiƱo |
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| My parents praying to the image of Sto. NiƱo |
6. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is just few blocks away from the Sto. NiƱo Church. From Sto. NiƱo Basilica's main entrance, walk towards the street across it. This will lead you to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral - the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu's ecclesiastical seat.
Location: Mabini Street, Cebu City
7. Cathedral Museum of Cebu
You will find the Cathedral Museum of Cebu across F. Urdaneta street, just near the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. It is the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu's ecclesiastical museum which displays Church artifacts during Spanish colonial times.
Location: P. Burgos St., Cebu City
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| Cathedral Museum of Cebu |
8. Raja Humabon Plaza
The Raja Humabon Plaza is also near the Cebu Metropolitan Church. This place is dedicated to Raja Humabon itself, the first Filipino chieftain that embraced Christianity.
8. Cebu Heritage Monument
To go to Parian District, walk along Sikatuna Street from Raja Humabon Park until you reach the Cebu Heritage Monument. This monument depicts Cebu's rich culture and heritage.
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| Cebu City Heritage |
Rediscovering Cebu's heritage through a walking tour was indeed tiring yet fulfilling. Hope you enjoyed my article. Let me know your thoughts below.
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