Probably one of the most photographed historical landmarks in Cebu is the Magellan's Cross. A 489-year old wooden cross stands in the middle of a small chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, across the Cebu City Hall and along Magallanes Street.Almost 500 years ago, Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, and his Spanish comrades, planted a huge Christian cross on this site upon arriving in Cebu on April 21, 1521. Other stories say that Magellan put up the cross to celebrate the conversion to Catholicism of the island's chief, Rajah Humabon, his wife and some 500 of their followers.
This historical landmark has become a symbol of Cebu---the cross and the chapel can be found in Cebu City's seal.
A few days after Magellan set up the cross, he and his men crossed over to the nearby island of Mactan, and on April 27, 1521, now known as the Battle of Mactan, he was killed when he and his men fought the Mactan natives led by the island's chieftain, Lapu-Lapu. Lapu-Lapu was the first native to have resisted the Spanish colonization and is now regarded as the first Filipino hero.
the ceiling painting depicts Magellan erecting the cross 
the chapel that houses the cross
a plaque below the Magellan's CrossI would like to thank Mary, host of Ruby Tuesday, for sending me these wonderful bookmarks all the way from New York. Thank you, Mary!
beautiful images and interesting commentary
ReplyDeleteCebu! Great place to be although I wasn't able to visit Magellan's Cross yet. I'll have to write it on my list and maybe soon I can visit the place too.
ReplyDeleteThose are lovely bookmarks!
Happy Tuesday!
That's astounding.... Such an old cross and so large and well preserved. It looks stunning against the church ceiling. Gorgeous shots!
ReplyDeleteI would love to reach Cebu ever since my aunt went with her Catholic group to cebu to visit the cross.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I visited there were too many Koreans. I had to wait for half an hour to be photographed inside.
ReplyDeleteFunny how I am often in Cebu but have never bothered to go around. I am mostly there for work. Thanks for the history too. It definitely merits a visit next time.
ReplyDeleteI didn't knew all these information!!! Your photos look great too! thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteLove the second photo of the cross against the ceiling.
ReplyDeleteWow, that cross is old. Why did explorers have to bring religion? Why not respect the customs of the natives?
Never been to Cebu. I should include this on my list kapag medyo mahaba ang bakasyon ko. Hay hirap maging dayuhan sa lupang sinilangan. Sigh*
ReplyDeleteGreat captures. Vivid ang mga lines and I like the vibrant colors.
Thanks for sharing the info.
Magellan sure got around. Amazing what the blend of faith and imperialism can do to a culture. Beautiful cross.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Miranda. Great angles.
ReplyDeleteI like Cebu City.
I do have some snapshots of this place but it died together with my laptop:).
Thanks for the memory.
Very interesting post today. Lovely photos to accompany the little history lesson. I'd love to visit someday. ~ks
ReplyDeleteMiranda: A neat post from your area of the world. I love the Fresco on the ceiling, wonderful art.
ReplyDeleteVery informative and posted along with some great shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful chapel. I really enjoyed your commentary as well; I didn't know he was killed soon after placing the cross.
ReplyDeleteWe would never miss this landmark when we have our field trips to Cebu during our college days.Your photos show they have been well maintained.
ReplyDeleteThat is very cool and I'm happy to see it in your photos. Happy Ruby to you and I hope you have a great week...
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see that. Thanks for visiting my Photo Hunt post!
ReplyDeleteWhere is the original cross?
ReplyDeleteThis one looks so new...