Magellan's Cross

Overview

Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in the Philippines in 1521. It is located outside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City.

It marks the site where the first Christian mission in the Philippines began and is considered a significant symbol of the arrival of Christianity in the country.

Historical Religious

Location

Address

Padre Burgos Street, Cebu City, Cebu

Neighborhood: Basilla Complex

Coordinates

10.305700, 123.900200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and better lighting for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1 hour

Full Experience

1-2 hours

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and sunny

• Blooming flowers in nearby parks

summer

Hot and humid

• Outdoor mass celebrations

autumn

Rainy and cool

• Cooler weather

winter

Cool and dry

• Christmas decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress modestly
Respect the religious significance
Check for mass schedules

What to Bring

essential

Camera Modest clothing Comfortable shoes

seasonal

Umbrella Rain jacket

not allowed

No loud noises No inappropriate clothing

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: None

• Hot and humid weather

Medical facilities: Nearby hospitals available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Typical Costs

entry Free

parking 50 PHP

food 50-200 PHP

souvenirs 50-500 PHP

Dress Code

Modest clothing, Comfortable shoes, Walking shoes, Shorts, Sleeveless tops, Inappropriate attire

Booking Tips

• Not required
• Official website
• Not applicable
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Cebu City Guide

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Historical information, Nearby attractions

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Nearby cafes, Visitor center

Charging Stations: Not available

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

Taxi

300-500 PHP 30-45 min

Public transport

50-100 PHP 1-1.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

Jeepney

10-20 PHP 15-20 min

Taxi

50-100 PHP 5-10 min

Walking

20-30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It's a historic and religious symbol of Cebu

Historical Significance: Marks the birth of Christianity in the Philippines

Insider Tips

Free entry at all times
Best photos early in the morning

Local Recommendations

• Visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
• Try local Cebuano food nearby

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Kumusta

thank_you Salamat

where_is Saan ang

how_much Magkano

beautiful Maganda

ticket Tiket

Guide Languages: English, Cebuano, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Low angle for the cross

Result: Great shot of the cross with the basilica in the background

#MagellansCross #Cebu #HistoricalPhilippines

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas

prohibited areas Inside the basilica during mass

flash photography Allowed

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed with permit

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Distance: 0.1 km

Walking: 1 min

Type: Church

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Distance: 0.2 km

Walking: 3 min

Type: Cathedral

Fort San Pedro

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historical Site

Reviews

4.7

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early for fewer crowds"
"Combine with a visit to the basilica"
"Respect the religious significance"

Contact Information

+63 32 254 7445

info@cebutourism.gov.ph

www.cebutourism.gov.ph

Social Media

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