Magellan’s Cross

Magellan's Cross stands in an octagonal stone pavilion with a decorated ceiling on Plaza Sugbo in Cebu. The interior walls display murals that depict the early religious transformations and key moments from the period of arrival.

Explorers from the Magellan expedition planted the original wooden cross in 1521 when they first reached the island. This event began a religious transformation that shaped the region for centuries to come.

The wooden cross housed here is made from tindalo, a local hardwood that protects the original core inside. Locals and visitors treat this site as a gathering point that represents the spiritual turning point in the region's story.

The site is easily reached from downtown Cebu and sits centrally in a plaza near other points of interest. The pavilion is open during daylight hours and offers shade, which is helpful in tropical weather.

The original cross was damaged over time by wear and weathering, so a new wooden cross was built around it for protection. The hidden original remains a symbol of how historical memory is preserved beneath layers of time.

Location: San Roque

GPS coordinates: 10.29355,123.90193

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:15