Take in the splendor of Our Lady of Lindogon Church in the south, also called Birhen sa Simala Shrine. This iconic house of worship should not be missed. With our engaging Cebu City tour, gain insight into the area’s cultural and historical treasures. Visit prominent monuments, learn about important events from the past at various sites, and immerse yourself in the lively urban environment to truly understand Cebu’s rich heritage. Discover for yourself what makes this place so historically and culturally significant.

Note: This is just an estimated time and might be changed on the actual tour date. Pick up time will also change during peak season.

Discover Cebu’s rich cultural heritage by visiting important historical sites that showcase the area’s past, such as the iconic Our Lady of Lindogon Church known as Simala Shrine in the south, prominent monuments, and locations where major events unfolded. Delve deeper into the local culture by touring significant places like Fort San Pedro that played a role in Cebu’s history, the Heritage of Cebu Monument, and the ancestral Yap San Diego House. Pay homage at the famed Basilica del Sto. Niño to see remnants of the original image of the holy child Jesus Sto. Niño. Throughout the experience, relax and soak in all the insights seamlessly with knowledgeable local guides, private vehicle transport, and friendly chauffeurs ensuring your comfort as you gain a more comprehensive understanding of Cebu’s journey from the past to present during this engaging tour.

SIMALA CHURCH

The Simala Shrine is a pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics. The site houses the image of Our Lady of Lindogon, which is believed to be miraculous by devotees of the Virgin Mary; following its reported shedding of tears, it was credited with the healing of those infected with dengue in the area in 1998.[4] The image has since reportedly shed tears four more times, the most recent being on September 8, 2016.

THE MAGELLAN CROSS

Magellan’s Cross is a stone cross located within the premises of Cebu Cathedral in Cebu City, Philippines. The cross marks the site of the first Mass in the Philippines, held by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 14, 1521. It was on this spot that Magellan baptized Rajah Humabon, the chieftain of Cebu, and his queen and some 800 native islanders. This event symbolized the beginning of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.

BASILICA MINORE DEL STO.NINO

The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño is a Roman Catholic church located in Cebu City, Philippines. Considered the oldest church in the country, it enshrines a small statue of the Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Niño) believed to be the first Christian icon brought to the Philippines in the 16th century. The basilica was built in 1565 under the order of Miguel López de Legazpi and marks the site where Christianity was first preached in the islands.

YAP-SANDIEGO ANCESTRAL HOUSE & CASA GORORDO

The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House and Casa Gorordo are two well-preserved Spanish colonial homes in Cebu City that offer a glimpse into the past. Dating back to the 16th and 19th centuries respectively, they showcase grand architecture and elegant furnishings of elite Cebuano families during the Spanish period. Listed as National Historical Landmarks, the homes feature hardwood floors, balconies, salons and chapels. Yap-Sandiego is considered one of the oldest Spanish homes in the Philippines. Casa Gorordo also housed the Gorordo Museum with relics of a prominent Chinese-Filipino clan. 

CEBU HERITAGE MONUMENT

The Cebu Heritage Monument is a tall obelisk-style landmark located in Cebu City. Embellished with carvings and historical sculptures, it commemorates important milestones in Cebu’s history stretching back to Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival and the establishment of trade routes. Surrounding the central stele are stone figurines representing the diverse ethnicities that have influenced Cebu’s cultural heritage over the centuries. As an outdoor museum in the city center, the monument serves as a tribute to Cebu’s rich past and a reminder of its proud multi-cultural legacy that has shaped its identity.

TABOAN MARKET

Taboan Market is a bustling public market located along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City. Established in the 17th century, it is one of the oldest markets in the Philippines. Vendors sell a wide variety of fresh local produce, meat, seafood and goods crammed along congested aisles. It is particularly known for its colorful fish section, offering a myriad catches from surrounding waters.