Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross, on the Island of Cebu

Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to come to the Philippines in 1521. Also known as Fernao Magalhaes or Fernando Magallanes, he was a Portuguese navigator working for the King of Spain in search of the spice islands (now part of Indonesia, known as Maluku or Moluccas islands). When he and his crews landed on Cebu island, a native chief, Rajah Humabon, met and befriended him. Rajah Humabon, his wife and hundreds of his native warriors agreed to accept Christianity and were consequently baptized.

            Magellan planted a cross to signify this important event about the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in what is now Cebu, in central Philippines. The original cross is reputedly encased in another wooden cross for protection, as people started chipping it away in the belief that it had miraculous healing powers. This prompted the government officials to encase it in tindalo wood and secured it inside a small chapel called "kiosk." Some say, however, that the original cross was actually destroyed. 

            The Magellan cross displayed here is said to be a replica of such cross. It is housed in a small chapel located in front of the present city hall of Cebu, along Magallanes Street (named in honor of Magellan).

             Sadly, Magellan met his death under the hands of another Visayan chief, Lapu-Lapu, when he went to the nearby island of Mactan. Mactan is also part of today's Metropolitan Cebu. There, both the statues of Magellan and Lapu-Lapu proudly stand to commemorate the tragic meeting of east and west in this part of the world.

It took another 45 years (1565) before Cebu was visited again by another European. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, under orders from King Philip of Spain, came and made Cebu the first capital of the Spanish colony known as Las Islas Filipinas. 

What to do at Magellan’s Cross

Pray inside Magellans Cross is open to anyone and it is free to enter. However, if you’re coming as a very large crowd, you may want to go in batches, since the place is quite small. The original cross is hidden underneath and one that is made of tindalo is erected in its place. Light a candle Long candles are sold for a few cents. There are plenty of vendors outside Magellan’s Cross, so you don’t need to look far. Don’t forget to say an earnest prayer and be quiet. Read the inscriptions The history of Magellan’s Cross is written on tablets, which you can find inside. It will give you a much better idea about the history of the place and what it means to its people. Tips for Touring Magellan’s Cross Know where to stop There are designated stops for jeepneys, so you cannot go wrong, taxi drivers also know where to go so it is all pretty easy. Bring lots of water Magellan’s Cross is close to other interesting historical and religious sites, such as Fort San Pedro, Basilica del Sto. Niño and the Malacañang of the South, a former Customs office transformed into a presidential residence and office. Check them all out whilst you’re here. Watch out Pay attention to the people around you. A number of them might be thieves, so be on the lookout at all times. Make sure that your camera has a strap, so you can just wear it on your neck.