Cebu City, Philippines is one of the world-renowned cities that are highly visited by tourists every year. Known also as the Queen City of the South, it is the oldest Philippine city and one of the largest in the Philippines. It is widely known not only for its beautiful beaches and tourist spots but also for its annual celebration of the Sinulog, a festival done in honor of the Holy Child Jesus or Santo Niño. Like many other cities in the Philippines, Cebu City has its own share of rich history. It was once a battlefield during the war between the Spaniards, the Americans, and the Japanese.
History of Cebu City
Cebu City was once a fishing village called San Miguel. Its inhabitants had a booming trade with merchants from China and some countries of Southeastern Asia during the pre-colonization period. They bartered gold, wood, honey and Moluccas spices for silk and porcelain from China. Its people maintained civil relations with foreign merchants under the rule of Rajah Humabon.
In 1521, a group of Spanish conquerors arrived in Cebu. It was led by Ferdinand Magellan. Magellan and his men were warmly welcomed by the friendly and innocent villagers and a few days after their arrival, they were able to convert Humabon and his people into Christians. Magellan then planted a big cross on the city as a sign of Christianity, which today is known as Magellan’s Cross.
Magellan went on to other parts of the province of Cebu and when they reach Mactan, they were met with hostilities by the natives. The Mactan people, under the leadership of Lapu-Lapu, resisted the entry of the Spanish troops into their land. They fought with their spears and bolos and were successful in keeping the foreigners away. Magellan was killed during the bloodbath.
In 1566, another group of Spaniards came to Cebu. It was led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fray Andres de Urdaneta. Cebu’s name was then changed from San Miguel to Villa del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus. This arrival of the Spanish troops marked the start of the successful Spanish conquest not only in Cebu but also in other parts of the Philippines.
Cebu inhabitants experienced hostilities under the Spanish conquerors. They suffered and went through a lot of hardships. Their trade with China also declined because of restrictions set by the Spaniards. In 1898, a revolution led by General Leon Kilat arose and it started many other rebellious uprisings.
Spanish control over the city of Cebu was cut short by the arrival of the Americans who helped the city attain its independence from the clutches of the Spaniards.
Top Travel Destinations of Cebu City, Philippines
At present, Cebu City is one of the cities in the Philippines that have a booming tourism. Thousands of tourists flock to this area of the Philippines all year round to see the different historical sites and beautiful tourist spots of the city. Top travel destinations of the city include the Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Taoist Temple, Kawasan Falls, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Moalboal, Mantalongon, and Mactan Island to name a few.
Magellan’s Cross is the historical cross planted by Magellan when he first arrived in Cebu. It is one of Cebu’s most famous landmark and is located near Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
Fort San Pedro is a fortress built by the Spaniards to protect them against enemy attack during the battle against the Americans. It is considered the oldest fortress in the Philippines.
Taoist Temple is a Chinese temple situated atop a mountain. Tourists can view the beautiful landscape of Cebu City and some of its neighboring islands from the entrance of this temple.
Kawasan Falls is one of the most popular getaways in Cebu for tourists and locals alike. Located in Badian town, the falls promises vacationers a good view and experience of nature that they will certainly enjoy.
These are only some of the many top travel destinations that tourists can find in Cebu City, Philippines. Tourists will also enjoy a gastronomic feast and high-class accommodations in many of Cebu’s first class restaurants and hotels.
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Cebu is indeed the best city in the country, when it comes to attractions, livability, and amusement. To me Cebu City is always number one, even greater than Manila.