Fort San Pedro, Cebu City, Philippines.

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Fort San Pedro

Cebu City

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Established in 1565 under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, conqueror of the Philippines, Fort San Pedro has served as an army garrison, a rebel stronghold, prison camp and the city zoo. Today's partly ruined structure, dating from the late 18th century, includes an impressive gateway, a small section of ramparts and a small museum. Its peaceful walled garden is a perfect retreat from the chaos and madness of downtown Cebu, especially at sunset.

It's walking distance from Cebu's port area.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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Nearby Cebu City attractions

1. Cebu Cathedral

0.25 MILES

This neoclassical cathedral was completed in 1909, replacing many earlier structures on the site. Only its facade and belfry survived WWII bombs.

2. Magellan's Cross

0.27 MILES

Ferdinand's Catholic legacy, a large wooden cross, is housed in a stone rotunda (built in 1841). The crucifix on show is said to contain remnants from a…

3. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

0.28 MILES

Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to…

4. City Hall

0.29 MILES

Lords it over Plaza Sugbo and Magellan's Cross.

5. Carbon Market

0.43 MILES

The sprawling Carbon Market is a boisterous, cacophonous frenzy that seemingly never sleeps. It's a local affair: expect mounds of fruit and vegetables,…

7. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

0.45 MILES

The atmospheric Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is among the country's oldest residential homes, built around 1680 from wood and coral stone, its design…

8. Casa Gorordo Museum

0.48 MILES

Downtown, in a quiet residential area, this museum was originally a private home (built in the 1850s). Later it was purchased by the Gorordos, one of Cebu…