I took a multi-cab from SM City Cebu to one of Cebu most famous landmarks – Magellan’s Cross. I got off at a very busy commercial district in Cebu City, but found no sign of that landmark. I kept walking until I got tired because of the hot afternoon sun. It didn’t seem that there were tourist signs to point the way to important landmarks in the vicinity. Eventually, I asked someone and it seems like I was really a way off the mark. I had to retrace my steps until I found it.
The Magellan’s Cross is just across the provincial capitol of Cebu province. Surrounding it are several important establishments. The cross itself is sheltered inside a small concrete pavillion which is open to all. Inside is the cross itself. It is said that this is the exact spot where Ferdinand Magellan of Spain planted the cross in Cebu in 1521. At the same time, King Humabon of Cebu and his family were baptized as Christians. This serves as a very important moment in the early history of the Philippines.
The ceiling of the pavillion depicts the story of the arrival of Magellan in Cebu, featuring of course the cross. Interestingly, as depicted in the painting the cross itself was not planted by Magellan, but by one of the natives. Magellan was just looking on giving orders. The cross is supposed to contain fragments of the original cross of Magellan. It is not enclosed in a new housing of tindalo wood.
I felt in awe of the place, despite how small it is. This was such a significant place and I can’t believe I was actually there. It was also amazing that something so significant is just out here in the open for everyone to see. Where to next? Well, the place really was that small and I couldn’t really find anything else to do there so I decided to move on to the next sight, which was fortunately just nearby.
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