5 Best Sites In Cebu For The History Buffs – explore the delightful expanses of the Queen City of the South

With tinges of greenery at its entrance that soon give way to the black walls which fortify its presence, Fort San Pedro fondly referred to as Fuerte de San Pedro comes across as an absorbing attraction that must be included during your travels within Cebu. Considered the oldest yet smallest fort in the Philippines, to the avid traveller, the Fort presents a valuable history lesson of varying chapters. Having once functioned as an army garrison, hospital, and prison camp, travellers can spend time at the local museum which showcases exhibits relating to ancient documents, photographs, and Spanish artifacts which echo a bygone era. Further, be sure to wander throughout its premises where opportunities to have your picture taken alongside a real cannon can be entertained.

Nestled in the Parian Plaza of Cebu's Parian district is the brilliantly appointed Cebu Heritage Monument which is but a stone's throw from Fort San Pedro. Entrance to the Monument's enclosure is free which in turn, will lead you on a journey within the bronze tableau which was crafted by local artist Eduardo Castrillo which documents important events that transpired in Cebu including the Battle of Mactan and the beautification of Pedro Calungsod; the revered Cebuano martyr.

Also called the Cebu Provincial Museum, Museo de Sugbo was constructed in 1871 and served as the provincial jail for more than a century before being formally inaugurated in August of 2008. Holding a wealth of historic allure within its walls, the Museum's entrance features two cannons on either side with well-manicured gardens found in its immediate vicinity. Moreover, Museo de Sugbo is home to four galleries with the presidential gallery being popular amongst those fascinated by learning about the country's heads of state through a series of portraits. What's more? The archaeological gallery must not be forgotten for it affords an opportunity to inspect the intricate details of ceramic and gold artifacts of the famed San Diego shipwreck. Also, the Wishing Well of Wisdom, Love, and Good Fortune will pave the way for history buffs to educate themselves on the facets of a water supply system that provided much-needed sustenance to those housed within the complex during its early days.

Built by Don Juan Yap between the years 1675 and 1700, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House offers a unique account of what has gone down in history as the oldest Chinese house that can be found outside of China. This 2-storey structure is a remarkable work of art and to the passionate globetrotter, a treasure trove of unimaginable wonder. Once inside, travellers will be escorted through the brilliance of the House which brings to light the influences of Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish across the artwork, furniture, antiques, and sculpture that are found in every nook and cranny here. An entrance fee of Php 50 is charged from every entrant and importantly, the House is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

The name 'Ferdinand Magellan' is etched in gold in the annals of the country's history and that too for good reason. Credited with having discovered the Philippines during his voyages in the 16th century, Ferdinand Magellan having reached the shores of Cebu, went on to plant a cross marking his arrival. Thus, Magellan's Cross was born and is synonymous with two things: namely, Spain's colonization of the Philippines and the introduction of Christianity that would soon spread its wings in the country. The marker itself is found at the center of a small chapel and can be reached if one is visiting the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu which is adjacent to the Cross. If you are thinking of where to stay in, Cebu city, options such as Citadines Cebu City that is is within reach of this historic monument, should be taken note of.