Inside Fort San Pedro
I always enjoy going to Fort San Pedro in Cebu because I like its castle-like structure, well-kept flower beds, cannons, green grass, birds and a view of the pier from atop. It is the smallest and oldest bastion fort in the Philippines. You will see several pictures and an artist’s sketch of the facility at the front entrance. The sketch showcases how the fort developed and improved through the years. Once you are inside, there would be no tourist guide to show you around, so you have to explore the area on your own. There’s a small museum with several historical items like utensils, pots, and skeletons.
The History Of Fort San Pedro
This military defense structure got its name from the Spanish flagship, San Pedro. The flagship brought Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to Philippine shores. This triangular stone and mortar structure dates back to May 8, 1565, constructed by the Spanish and Cebuano laborers. The two sides are facing the sea while the third side is facing land. The total inside area is 2,025 square meters, with walls at 20 feet high and 8 feet thick, and the tower rise 30 feet from the ground. The three bastions were named La Concepción (Southwest); Ignacio de Loyola (Southeast), and San Miguel (Northeast).
An Army Camp And More
The fort has served as an army garrison and prison camp, which would explain why there are prison cells and a few cannons within the vicinity. It has also been used as a school and also served as the house of the Cebu City Zoo. Today you’ll find this place as a peaceful museum park where lovers, friends and families meet. It’s also a place for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Entrance Fee And How To Get There
How much does it cost to enter the premises? Currently, it only costs Php30 (US$0.66) per person for the entrance fee. If you are anywhere in the downtown area, a taxi ride going there would cost you Php50-70 (US$1.10-US$1.55) while going there via jeepney would only cost 8 pesos. A 30-minute taxi ride from the airport to this attraction will cost Php200 (US$4.41).
Around The Area
The fort is located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City. Plaza Independencia is a favorite park where families have their picnics, students meet for dance practice and also serves as a venue for government and political events. The plaza and Fort San Pedro are nice places to read, unwind and relax. There are plenty of restaurants and food shops within 0.2 – 0.6 miles, such as Bigby’s Restaurant, Visayan Restaurant, Mingnan Chinese Cuisine Restaurant, Jollibee, Orange Brutus, Greenwich, and Mcdonald’s. Ayala and SM Malls are approximately 10-15 minutes ride away.
Be Aware
For safety concerns, keep away from the dark areas of the nearby plaza as there may be thieves around like most places in the city. With a little common sense and precaution, you and your family can enjoy a rewarding outing to the important historic location in Cebu City.
Have you visited Fort San Pedro? If so, then share your experience in the comments below.
