Joanna James
Proffering thrilling portals into history and sweeping glimpses into nature, this vibrant pre-colonial fulcrum for international trade and cultural diversity still retains its atmospheric intrigue. Here are some iconic and off-the-beaten-path heritage gems to discover in landmark-infused Cebu.
After you've had your fill of first-class retail and foodie escapades in Cebu's luxe hilly neighbourhoods overlooking the ocean and canyoneering day trips to rappel over the decadent forest and plunge into jewel-toned island waterfalls, get a timeless taste of the rich backstory of the Philippines at its most unique and celebrated edutainment centre. Here, you can roam the striking galleries of what was once a provincial jail of Cebu with gaols built using ancient coral blocks, which now hosts a plethora of fascinating exhibits that will take you through every phase of the country's eventful past. From gold and ceramic artefacts from old shipwrecks to segways into political history and colonial memorabilia, your appetite for all things decadently historic will be satiated!
Whether it's immersing in the echoes of centuries past, hopping between postcard-perfect islands of ivory and turquoise beaches, or rambling through ambient local markets filled with gastronomic delicacies, the Cebuano way of life is deliciously stimulating on multiple levels. If you're eager for more whiffs of the surreal vintage notes permeating the oldest citadel of the Philippines, head over to the stunning Casa Gorordo Museum, which graces the Parian district of Cebu. This colonial-era home is an exquisite fusion of Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish design and has been lightly enhanced with modern technology to provide visitors with a transporting glimpse into centuries-old experiences of Cebu's multi-faceted culture, transitions, and revolutions.
From the iridescent terraces of flowers spilling down hillsides and romantic blossoming gazebos overlooking velvety green-clad hills of the Terrazas de Flores to the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary that will set your heart aflutter and the exhilarating hike to float over sapphire mountain hazes at Tops Lookout, Cebu has plenty to enrich your body and soul. If you're looking for some serene mindful stimulation after all that delicious exercise, stop at the city's pride and joy, the elegantly weathered Fort San Pedro. This triangular bastion fort is surrounded by refreshing sea breezes and a picturesque lawn and hosts a charming museum filled with rare well-preserved relics.
If you're enthralled by gracious neoclassical buildings, contemporary original artworks, grand family heirlooms, stained glass windows, and heaps of marvellous old books and publications significant to Cebuano culture and history, you won't regret the graceful deep dive into the past proffered by the Rizal Museum and Library. If you're wondering where to stay in Cebu for the best access to its authentic allurements, venture no further than Citadines Cebu City.
The spectacularly theatrical remains of an Italianate ancestral home built amidst dreamy sugarcane plantations is worth a trip to witness, especially as it is titled the 'Taj Mahal of the Philippines' and is enwreathed by a romantic tragedy.
The heritage-rich Colon Street is full of tributes to old-world architecture and monumental moments in the Cebuano chronicles. While you do your rounds of Cebu's olden museum mansions, take a peek at the lofty Colon Obelisk that marks the starting point of this 16th Century Avenue named in Spanish after none other than Christopher Columbus.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
