Cebu City, Cebu

Fort San Pedro

Cebu’s Oldest Fortress and a Must-Visit Landmark

PUBLISHED September 1, 2022

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Visiting Fort San Pedro is like traveling back in time. It’s a place where you can learn about Cebu’s history, take stunning photos, and experience the past up close. It’s also easily accessible, located in Plaza Independencia, just minutes away from other historic sites like Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, and the Heritage of Cebu Monument.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Fort San Pedro with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Fort San Pedro. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Right in the heart of Cebu City, where history meets modern life, stands Fort San Pedro—the oldest and smallest Spanish fort in the Philippines. Though it may not be as massive as other forts, its walls have witnessed centuries of battles, revolutions, and change. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved piece of history, welcoming visitors who want to step back in time and explore Cebu’s past.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

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ABOVE: Built by Miguel López de Legazpi, Fort San Pedro started as a wooden stronghold before the Spaniards reinforced it to withstand ongoing battles

The Beginning of Fort San Pedro

The fort traces its roots to when Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in Cebu. To protect the settlement from attacks by local warriors and pirates, he built a small wooden fort by the sea. Over time, as conflicts continued, the Spaniards realized they needed something stronger and more permanent.

Eventually, the fort was rebuilt using coral stones, turning it into a solid triangular fortress. Each corner had a baluarte (bastion) where cannons were placed, ready to defend against invaders. It became a key military base for the Spanish as they ruled the islands.

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A Fort That Witnessed Revolutions

Fort San Pedro remained under Spanish control for over 300 years—until the Philippine Revolution began. Filipino revolutionaries in Cebu, led by Pantaleon Villegas (Leon Kilat), fought against the Spanish in what became known as the Battle of Tres de Abril. After days of battle, the revolutionaries briefly took control of the city, and Fort San Pedro was captured from the Spaniards.

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ABOVE: A couple stands in front of Fort San Pedro’s entrance, taking a pose with the historic site as a backdrop.

However, when Spain lost to the United States later that year, the Philippines was handed over to the Americans. The fort then became a military barracks under the new rulers, marking another shift in Cebu’s history.

World War II and the Fort’s Darkest Days

When World War II broke out, the Philippines fell under Japanese occupation. The fort, once again, became a military base—this time for the Japanese forces. It was used as a prison, armory, and headquarters, making it a feared place during the war.

ABOVE: During the Philippine Revolution, Cebuano forces led by Leon Kilat seized Fort San Pedro. After Spain’s defeat, the Americans took control, turning it into a military barracks.

As the war neared its end, battles between the Japanese and Filipino-American forces left parts of the fort damaged. It became a refuge for civilians who had lost their homes and a hospital for the wounded. After the war, Fort San Pedro was left in ruins, its walls scarred by years of conflict.

ABOVE: A statue of Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi stands outside the walls of Fort San Pedro.

From Ruins to a Cultural Treasure

After the war, Cebu’s leaders decided to restore the fort instead of letting it crumble. It was converted into a public park, and the Cebu Garden Club turned its inner courtyard into a beautiful garden.

Eventually, the fort was officially recognized as a National Historical Landmark, ensuring its preservation. Since then, it has been carefully maintained, allowing visitors to see its original coral stone walls, old barracks, and bastions.

ABOVE: The Fort San Pedro Museum, located within the historic walls of the fort, showcases a collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that offer visitors a deeper insight into Cebu’s colonial past.

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ABOVE: After the war, Fort San Pedro was restored as a park and later declared a National Historical Landmark, preserving its coral stone walls, barracks, and bastions.

What to See Inside Fort San Pedro

Today, Fort San Pedro is a top tourist attraction in Cebu, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Inside, you’ll find:

Old Spanish-era cannons still mounted on the fort’s walls
Historical exhibits featuring old photos, documents, and artifacts
✅ Ruins of barracks and prison cells used during the war
✅ A scenic garden courtyard perfect for relaxing and taking photos
✅ Viewpoints on the bastions, where you can see the old harbor area

Walking through its halls, you can imagine the Spanish soldiers standing guard, the revolutionaries planning their attacks, and the war refugees finding shelter inside its walls.

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ABOVE: A wide-angle shot of Fort San Pedro’s weathered coral-stone facade.

Why Visit Fort San Pedro?

Visiting Fort San Pedro is like traveling back in time. It’s a place where you can learn about Cebu’s history, take stunning photos, and experience the past up close. It’s also easily accessible, located in Plaza Independencia, just minutes away from other historic sites like Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, and the Heritage of Cebu Monument.

📍 Location: Plaza Independencia, Cebu City
🕒 Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Budget-friendly rates (varies, check with the tourism office)

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture lover, or just someone looking for a peaceful spot to explore, Fort San Pedro is a must-visit. Step inside and let its walls tell you the stories of Cebu’s past.

Planning a trip to Cebu? Make sure to add Fort San Pedro to your itinerary and experience the magic of history firsthand!

ABOVE: The entrance of Fort San Pedro, with its distinct arc shape.

I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.

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