There is one place which depicts the story of Cebu and the Christianity of Filipinos --Basilica Del Sto. Niño. If you want to visit Cebu, I suggest that this Basilica should be your first stop.
A Brief History of Cebu
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, Cebu was known as Sugbo which was a native kingdom. It was founded by Sri Lumay (also known as Raja Lumaya), a native prince which invaded Sumatra in Indonesia. Changes occured when Spaniards came which was led by Ferdinand Magellan (1521). He was welcomed by Rajah Humabon and 700 islanders where baptized into Christians with a Christian cross planted (Magellan's cross) and an image of child Jesus (Sto. Niño) which was handed to Queen Juana, Rajah Humabon's wife. However, Magellan was killed by Lapu-lapu.
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| Magellan's cross-- It is currently housed in a chapel next to Basilica del Sto. Niño. |
About the Basilica
Basilica del Sto Niño was founded by Andres de Urdaneta, an Augustinian priest on April 28, 1565, the very day the Legazpi- Urdaneta expedition arrived.
This church has always been the place for novenas and mass for Sto. Niño devotees. People still queue to kiss the image of the holy child.
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| The outside ground |
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| The image of Sto. Niño |
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