With its unique blend of old and new, urban and rural, nature and modernity, the mountains and the seas and the land and with the underwater world, all virtually a few minutes away from each other, Cebu, the Philippines oldest city has become the most sought after business and leisure destination both inside the country and abroad. Whether your are a foreign tourist, a local visitor, or a home grown explorer, the “Queen City of the South,” has something in store for you.
First stop is Cebu's iconic historical attraction, the MAGELLAN'S CROSS. The monument marks the spot where the explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross in 1521 after baptizing the first Filipinos, symbolizing the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines. Relics of the original cross is encased in a hollow Tindalo wood. On the ceiling are paintings which depict the historical event. 
Near the cross is the BASILICA DEL STO. NINO CHURCH. This baroque and Neo-classical style church is one of the oldest in the Philippines. It houses the oldest relic, Santo Nino - a carving of young Jesus depicted as a black child, dating back to Magellan's time. The image is venerated by hordes of faithful especially during the Sinulog Festival each January.
Within a walking distance is the picturesque FORT SAN PEDRO, the country's oldest and smallest tri-bastion fort. It was built in 1565 by the Spaniards as protection native Cebuanos and Muslim pirates. Work was first started on May 8, 1565 with Miguel Lopez de Legaspi breaking the ground. It is now a public park and promenade. Its green setting make this fine little fort to take a breather from Cebu City's streets.
The CEBU METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL is the seat of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu. Cebu was established as a diocese on August 14, 1595. Construction of the cathedral took many years due to lack of funds other other unexpected events. The building was destroyed during the World War 11 but it was quickly rebuilt in 1950. 
For a brief journey into a Filipino lifestyle from 1860-1920, a tour inside CASA GORORDO is recommended. Located along Lopez-Jaena Street, Casa Gorordo is the home of the first Filipino Bishop in Cebu. The place features noted paintings, museum relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture.
Situated in the affluent area of Beverly Hills, Cebu City, the TAOIST TEMPLE is built by the Chinese Community in 1972 to preserve the teachings of Lao Tze, a 600 BC Chinese philosopher. On Wednesdays and Sundays, devotees climb the 99 steps of the temple to light joss sticks then have their fortunes read by the monks. The temple is open to worshipers and non-worshipers alike.
Situated 2,000 feet above sea level up in the cool hills of Busay is TOPS, an excellent sight-seeing spot offering a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olongo. 
MANDAUE-MACTAN BRIDGE. Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million. This 864-meter bridge connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu.
The LAPU-LAPU SHRINE is located in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines. A 20-meter bronze statue was erected in this site to honor Lapu-Lapu, a local chieftain who defeated the Spanish invaders headed by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan on 1521. 
Just a few steps away is the MAGELLAN MARKER. This was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan died. Inspired by his success in Christianizing the people of Cebu, Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan Island in an effort to spread the faith. Before he reached the shore, he was killed by island chieftain Lapu-lapu and his men.
