Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
T
HE
V
ISAYAS
BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NIÑO
Church
This holiest of churches is a real survivor. Established in 1565 and burnt down three times,
it was rebuilt in its present form in 1737. Perhaps it owes its incendiary past to the perenni-
al bonfire of candles in its courtyard, stoked by an endless procession of pilgrims and other
worshippers.
MUSEO SUGBO-CEBU PROVINCIAL MUSEUM
Museum
On the site of the former provincial jail is this complex comprising three museums. Most
interesting is Museo Sugbo itself, which is made up of four galleries showcasing precoloni-
al, Spanish colonial, American-era and WWII-era Cebu. Notable exhibits include the artifi-
cial cranial deformation displays.
MACTAN SHRINE
Shrine
Mactan is the improbable site of one of the defining moments in the Philippines' history. It
was here, on 27 April 1521, that Ferdinand Magellan was killed in battle while underestim-
ating the fighting spirit of Chief Lapu-Lapu. This event is commemorated at the Mactan
Shrine on a stone plinth bearing the date that Magellan was felled.
MIAGAO CHURCH
Church
The elegant World Heritage-listed honey-coloured Miagao Church was built between 1787
and 1797. It served as a fortress against Muslim raiders, and over the years was damaged
by fighting, fire and earthquakes; it was finally restored to its rococo glory in 1962.
ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
Festival
Held in January, the fantastic Ati-Atihan Festival is the nation's biggest and best mardi
gras. Described by its promoters as a mix of 'Catholic ritual, social activity, indigenous
drama and tourist attraction', it's a week-long street party in Kalibo raging from sun-up to
sundown, peaking on the third Sunday of January.
