Mactan Shrine is one of the most visited places in Mactan Island which itself is a tourist haven in Cebu. But more than just a tourism hotspot in the Philippines, Mactan is very significant in history- even in World history. Shame on you if you haven’t heard of Ferdinand Magellan, one of the world’s greatest explorer and it is in Mactan that he met his final fate.
To cut the story short, Magellan was killed by one of Mactan’s chieftain Lapu-Lapu ( some historians think that it was not LApu-Lapu who killed Magellan) during the Battle of Mactan in April of 1521. The said battle was the first ever recorded battle between the Europeans and pre-Spanish Filipinos ( the term Filipinos was given in 19th century).
This obelisk made of coral stone is in the heart of Mactan Shrine built way back in 1886. Magellan’s marker was erected to commemorate the spot where Ferdinand Magellan died under the hands of the locals. Some stories say that the Spaniards tried to retrieve Magellan’s body through tributes of gold and jewelries but left in vain. With their failure to find and retrieve the explorer’s body, they built a monument right in the heart of Mactan Shrine. Though not all people find this monument significant, Magellan’s Marker is a test on how the Spaniards appreciate and honor their adopted son.
Entrance fee
None. But if you have a car, parking fee is 10pesos.
to reach Mactan Shrine
taxi– the easiest way to the Shrine; just hop in and tell the driver, they will bring you there in no time
jeepney – take the So-ong Maribago jeepney going to Mactan from Mandaue-Higway. The Shrine is right before Shangrila Mactan’s Resort and Spa. You can’t miss this shrine along the way or you can inform the driver ahead of time to drop you in Mactan Shrine. Fare is 12 pesos
6 Comments
nice post..I always drop by in this place whenever we are in Cebu..
thanks Cyril….
Very nice article, also i would like to include that very close to the Mactan Shrine is another great historical activity, that is fairly new to Mactan Island, but it has become one of the major tourist attraction for travelers in Cebu. The Jungle Filipino Cultural Center. Located in Maribago, it showcases the a Dinner theater with nightly shows of the Filipino Cultural and Folk dances. You should check it out.
Hi, just doing some browsing for my Magellan site. Truly more information than you can imagine on the web. Wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, but nice site. Have a great day.
Thanks!
nice article . this article really helped me in my ass. today . when i already have my own money i’ll try going in this place (historical place)