Basilica Minor del Santo Niño | Magellan's Coss

I proudly tackle here the very great Catholic spots in Cebu...

First was Basilica Minor del Santo Niño...

Originally built in 1565, it is a home to what many consider the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, the image of Santo Niño. In 1521, magellan gave Filipina Queen Juana the image of the Santo Niño as a baptismal gift. Many years later, following the sacking of the town, a soldier searching through the charred rubble found the image of the Santo Niño half buried, totally untouched by the flames that had burned down the house around it.

Since then, this miraculous image has been venerated by the Cebuanos with religious fervor, and people travel from all over the Philippines and the rest of the world to view this magnificent catholic icon.

Close to basilica del Santo Niño stands Magellan's Cross and Shrine. Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, this marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, rajah Humabon, Queen Juana and about 400 of their followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama.

Originally, the cross was surrounded by an open shrine; however, as some natives believed the cross had miraculous power, they began to cut pieces off the cross believing it had a miraculous power.

To prevent further damage, a new enclosed shrine was built, and a hallow cross of Tindalo wood was made to encase and protect the original cross. Now with the shrine stunningly decorated with beautiful ceiling murals, Magellan's Cross and Shrine is a prime destination for visitors.

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