Fort San Pedro

Location: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, Philippines. It is situated in the area now called Plaza Independencia, in the pier area of the city.

Opening hours: Fort San Pedro is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. However, the operating hours may vary depending on the season and the health protocols.

Entrance fee: The fee for adults is 30 PHP, for students is 20 PHP.

Reason to visit: A must-visit historical and cultural attraction in Cebu. The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the ocean and nearby parks.

Tel: +63 3225 62284

Recommended tour: 9 Days Best Philippines Island Escape

Fort San Pedro is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cebu. It is the oldest and smallest triangular fort in Cebu City, Philippines. Built by the Spanish in 1565, Fort San Pedro has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the struggle for independence and the development of the modern city. Today, it is a museum and a park that offers you a glimpse into the past and a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Overview of the Fort

Fort San Pedro, also known as Fuerte de San Pedro, is a military defense structure located in Plaza Independencia, in the pier area of Cebu City. It was built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, the first governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines, to protect the newly established settlement from Muslim raiders and pirates. The original fort was made of wood and was later replaced by stone and mortar. The fort has a triangular shape, with two sides facing the sea and one side facing the land. The three corners have bastions named La Concepción, Ignacio de Loyola and San Miguel, each with a turret and cannons. The walls are 20 feet high and 8 feet thick, and the total area is 2,025 square meters. The fort has a gate with a barrel vault entrance, a niche with an image of the Santo Niño, the patron saint of Cebu, and a seal of the Spanish king. Inside the fort, there are barracks, a chapel, a well, a powder magazine and a courtyard.

How to enjoy Fort San Pedro

Visit the Museum inside, learn about Fort San Pedro through historical artifacts

One of the main attractions of Fort San Pedro is the museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts, documents, paintings, sculptures and relics related to the history of Cebu and the Philippines. The museum showcases the different periods of the fort's history, from the Spanish colonial era to the American occupation to the Japanese invasion to the Philippine independence. Some of the highlights of the museum are the original Spanish documents, the replica of the Magellan's cross, the weapons and armors used by the soldiers, the religious icons and statues, and the model of the fort. The museum also has audio-visual presentations and guided tours that provide more information and insights about the fort and its significance.

Climb to the highest point of Fort San Pedro, overlooking the pier in Cebu, enjoying the view at sunset

Another way to enjoy Fort San Pedro is to climb to the highest point of the fort, which is the San Miguel bastion. From there, you can have a panoramic view of the pier and the sea, as well as the city skyline and the mountains. You can also see the ships and boats that dock and sail in the port, and the people who come and go in the plaza. The view is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the sky is painted with different colors and the water reflects the light.

Visit the Fort gardens

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, you can visit the castle gardens inside the fort. The gardens are filled with various plants and flowers that add color and life to the fort. You can also find benches and tables where you can sit and rest, or have a picnic with your family and friends. The gardens are also a good place to take photos and selfies, as the fort's walls and turrets provide a stunning backdrop.

A great place to rest and enjoy the breeze

Fort San Pedro is not only a historical and cultural treasure, but also a great place to rest and enjoy the breeze. The fort's walls and trees provide shade and coolness, while the sea breeze brings freshness and calmness. You can also hear the sound of the waves and the birds, which create a soothing ambiance. Fort San Pedro is a place where you can escape the noise and stress of the city, and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility.

Around here: Plaza Independencia, Antonio Pigafetta monument and Santo Nino

Just walking through the A. Pigafetta Street, you will arrive at the Plaza Independencia. It a public park and a local hangout square. The park has a fountain, a flagpole, a statue of Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the Philippine Revolution, and a historical marker that tells the story of the plaza. 

Another place to visit is the Antonio Pigafetta monument, which honors the Italian explorer and chronicler who accompanied Magellan in his voyage around the world. 

There is also a famous landmark church near the Fort San Pedro, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. You just need to walk along A Pigafetta Street about 10 minutes until you reach Magallanes Street. Cross the street to the other side, you will see the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. 

How to get there:

If you are coming from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you can take a taxi or a Grab car to the fort. The travel time is about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are at the Cebu City Pier, you can walk to the fort, which is just across the street. The walking distance is about 300 meters, and it will take you about 5 minutes.