Magellan's Cross Tours and Activities

Magellan's Cross
Magellan's Cross
Magellan's Cross
Magellan's Cross
Magellan's Cross


The first Catholic Filipinos were baptized on the site of this historic chapel, believed to contain the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

Visit the ornate Spanish pavilion that shelters the holy relic of Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City. Established by Spanish and Portuguese explorers on the orders of the famous voyager Ferdinand Magellan, the cross marks the beginning of the Philippines’ Catholicization and is an important religious and historic landmark in the city. Admire the chapel’s pretty architecture and see the centuries-old cross against a backdrop of painted scenes on the ceiling.

Walk across the paved square from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to reach the octagonal stone chapel, which was built in 1834 to protect the holy relic. The chapel has large arched doorways and a red-tiled roof. Make your way through one of the arches and gaze up at the fabled cross. Locals say that Catholicism in the Philippines began on this very site with the baptism of King Humabon and Queen Juana. Check out the paintings on the chapel’s ceiling, which depict the stories of Magellan reaching Cebu Island’s shores, planting a cross and baptizing the Filipino chieftain.

Read the small plaque beneath the cross explaining that the original crucifix has been encased in tindalo timber to protect it from the elements. Some believe the original cross was damaged by devotees who wished to chip off pieces of wood to keep as souvenirs or miraculous relics. Others say the original cross was destroyed or stolen shortly after Magellan’s death and was quickly replaced by the replica you see today.

Although no one can say which of these stories is true, Magellan’s Cross is a wonderful place to enjoy the atmosphere of a significant pilgrimage site. Take part in the local tradition of placing a coin or a small prayer candle at the base of the cross.

Magellan’s Cross is located in historic Santo Niño, about a 25-minute walk from the Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal. Reach the area easily by bus to nearby Cebu City Hall. The chapel is free to visit. It is within a short walking distance from some of Cebu’s most significant historic sites, including Fort San Pedro and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Plan a trip to see Magellan's Cross

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Ariella Mangrove & Eco Resort by Hiverooms
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Top Magellan's Cross Hotel & Accommodation Deals

One Central Hotel

One Central Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner Sanciangko and Leon Kilat Street, Cebu City, Cebu
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HappyNest Hostel Cebu

HappyNest Hostel Cebu

2 out of 5
Lapu-Lapu St, Behind Toyota MJ Cuenco, Cebu City, Central Visayas
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Astrotel Cebu

Astrotel Cebu

2 out of 5
179 Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, Central Visayas
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Radisson Blu Cebu

Radisson Blu Cebu

5 out of 5
Serging Osmena Blvd; corner Juan Luna, Cebu City, Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu
ML SUITES

ML SUITES

2 out of 5
JUNA LUNA ST., OSMENA Boulevard, Cebu City, Cebu
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Palm Grass Hotel

Palm Grass Hotel

3 out of 5
68 Junquera Street, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Palm Grass Hotel
Dickem's Transient House

Dickem's Transient House

2 out of 5
68 Junquera St, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Dickem's Transient House
Hotel Sogo Cebu

Hotel Sogo Cebu

2.5 out of 5
0197 Sanciangco St. Bgy. Kalubihan, Cebu City, Cebu
Hotel Sogo Cebu
Cebuview Tourist Inn

Cebuview Tourist Inn

3 out of 5
200 Sanciangko Street, Kalubihan, Cebu City, Cebu
Cebuview Tourist Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Magellan's Cross

When visiting Magellan's Cross in Cebu City, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as local tours that explore the rich history of the area. Don't miss the chance to relax in nearby picnic spots and indulge in some shopping at local markets and malls. It's a perfect blend of cultural immersion and leisure, making your visit memorable.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping near Magellan's Cross with Taboan Public Market just 1.3km away, offering local goods and city vibes. Robinsons Plaza is 1.6km away, perfect for family and business needs. SM City Cebu, 3.2km away, features entertainment and a bustling atmosphere.

Recreation

At Cebu Country Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by lush landscapes, perfect for relaxation and friendly competition. Experience the energy of the Cebu Coliseum, where you can watch thrilling sports events. For family fun, head to Zoomers Blacklight Mini Golf, where adventure awaits in a vibrant atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Jpark Island Waterpark, located 9.7km from Magellan's Cross, offering endless fun with its exciting slides and wave pools. For an outdoor adventure, head to Doce Pares Mountain Training Park, also 9.7km away, where you can conquer ziplines and ropes courses amidst lush scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Magellan's Cross is vibrant and lively, with venues like The Distillery offering craft cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere. For a more laid-back vibe, check out The Monkey Bar, where you can enjoy local brews and live music. Experience the warm Filipino hospitality and friendly crowds!

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Magellan's Cross

When visiting Magellan's Cross in Cebu City, immerse yourself in the rich history by exploring nearby attractions like historic houses and churches. This vibrant area offers a family-friendly experience while showcasing the local culture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Magellan's Cross itself, along with other tourist spots that highlight the city's heritage. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets to soak in the atmosphere and discover more hidden gems nearby.

  • Colon Street: Immerse yourself in the vibrant city vibes of Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. At 483m from Magellan's Cross, it offers a bustling atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and local street vendors, perfect for experiencing Cebu's daily life.
  • Santo Nino Church: Located a mere 161m from Magellan's Cross, Santo Nino Church is a cultural gem. It houses the revered Santo Nino statue, drawing visitors to explore its rich history and stunning architecture, making it a must-see for history buffs.
  • University of San Carlos: Just 644m from Magellan's Cross, the University of San Carlos is a historic institution with a strong cultural vibe. Wander through its picturesque campus, reflecting on its contributions to education and local heritage.

Best time to go to Magellan's Cross

The best time to visit Magellan's Cross can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Magellan's Cross falls in May, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Magellan's Cross falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
February80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
March81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April83.3°F (28.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May84.4°F (29.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
July82.6°F (28.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November81.7°F (27.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December80.8°F (27.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Magellan's Cross

To save money on your trip to Magellan's Cross, consider visiting in March or October to November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Wednesdays when prices are cheapest. Look for eco-certified hotels for budget-friendly options, and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through package deals. Remember to filter your searches by price to find the best offers and compare options for cheap hotels and special promotions.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Magellan's Cross are March and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Magellan's Cross about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Magellan's Cross is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Magellan's Cross is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at Magellan's Cross with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.