Magellan's Cross Shrine

Magellan’s Cross is perhaps the most famous relic in Cebu City. Whenever one person speaks about Cebu City, the talk usually leads to Magellan and to his cross that he planted in the shores of Cebu. Many visitors, both foreigners and Filipinos, never miss the chance of dropping by the shrine where Magellan’s Cross could be found.
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How to Go to Magellan's Cross Shrine?

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The shrine is just some few steps away from the Minor Basilica of the Santo Nino. Facing the basilica, all you have to do is to walk straight to your left. The shrine is easily recognizable from a distance.
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The Shrine of Magellan’s Cross. 

What to See in Magellan's Cross Shrine?

Inside the shrine is the famous cross of Magellan. According to the inscriptions beneath the cross, the cross that is being displayed inside the shrine is made of Tindalo wood that encases the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan. However, some doubt that the original cross still exists because some say that the Cebuanos burned the original cross after the Spaniards were driven away.
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Magellan’s Cross stands on the site where the original cross was erected by Magellan in 1521. 

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Painted on the ceiling of the shrine is the scene that relives the moments of the erection of the cross on Cebu Island.
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The same scene could be found on a painting displayed inside Fort San Pedro.
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Sinulog Dancers

Aside from Magellan’s Cross, the shrine is also famous because of the Sinulog Dancers, who dance in front of the cross while uttering the prayers or petitions of shrine visitors. The dancers can be asked to perform by anyone by paying a fee. The fee is based on the number of candles that the dancer will light up during her dance. The more candles that you ask for, the higher their fee is.
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 A dancer praying in behalf of a tourist.

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When visiting Magellan’s Cross, never miss seeing the Sinulog Dancers do their prayers.

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