Magellan's Cross

The first Western explorer who have set foot on the Philippine soil is Ferdinand Magellan. Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer but served King Charles I of Spain, He travelled to Asia in search of the Spice Island known as Moluccas Island/ Malaku Island in Indonesia.

When Ferdinand Magellan and his crew landed on Cebu Island in 1521, He was directly welcomed by the Native Chief Rajah Humabon and his people. The natives accepted to be baptized to Christianity and that is the history of the Christianization in the Philippines.

Ferdinand Magellan then planted a cross to indicate the Christianization of Cebu.

Today, the cross is in a 'Kiosk' or a small chapel and can be found beside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. There is a sign below the cross that indicates the original cross is encased in another wooden cross for protection. However, many believed that the original cross has been destroyed and the cross now is a replica planted by the Spaniards after they have successfully colonized the Philippines.

I grew up with a tradition that every time my family and I go to Cebu, we always visit the Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The cross plays a significant part of our history and how it changed the Philippines.


Magellan's Cross
Address: Magallanes Street, Cebu City
Coordinates: 10°17′35.9″N 123°54′6.5″E
Admission: Free