12 Religious Spots in Cebu You Need to Visit Today
The little island of Cebu is one of the most fascinating islands in the Philippines. With its gorgeous natural wonders, rich history, and amazing culture, Cebu is visited yearly by millions of people from all parts of the world.
Located smack dab in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, the little island of Cebu is home to different faiths and beliefs. While it is considered the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, the island is actually a mixing bowl of different cultures and traditions. In Cebu, there is great genuine respect for personal choice and freedom. More importantly, the Cebuanos are known for their zeal and passion in valuing individuality as well as social, religious, and even political diversity.
This week, TheCebuano puts the spotlight on one of the many things that prove just how culturally rich and diverse Cebu is. Here are 12 of Cebu’s most important religious structures and spots you really need to visit at least once in your life.
12. Guadalupe Parish Church
Location: Guadalupe, Cebu City
The Guadalupe Parish Church in Barangay Guadalupe houses the image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu, the patron saint of Cebu. Aside from being one of the biggest and most visited churches in Cebu City, the parish church is known for having one of the longest aisles in the province.
11. Cebu Taoist Temple
Location: Lahug, Cebu City
The Taoist Temple is located in the heart of the upscale Beverly Hills Subdivision in Lahug. This multi-level temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cebu. Although mainly a religious site, the Taoist Temple is open even to non-worshipers.
10. Celestial Gardens
Location: Banawa, Cebu City
The Celestial Gardens is a property in Banawa that is owned and managed by the Tanchan Foundation. The gardens, which doubles as a memorial park, is frequented by Catholics every year because of the Stations of the Cross which span more than two kilometers. Throngs of believers come to the Celestial Gardens during the Holy Week to reflect and do the traditional penitential prayer.
9. Monastery of St. Benedict
Location: Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu
The Monastery of the Benedictine Monks is one of the ‘newest’ religious destinations in the province. Located in the hills of Barangay Corte in Carmen, the monastery houses the image of the Our Lady of Manaoag. Some of the other important parts of this secluded monastery are the adoration chapel, the vast picnic grounds, and the giant image of the Santo Niño de Cebu.
8. Shrine of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Location: Bogo City
The new city of Bogo is home to one of the most popular religious destinations in the North — the Shrine of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Situated on top of a hill in Lapaz, Bogo City and overlooking the North National Road, the shrine is famous for its ‘100 steps’ and the giant statue of Mama Mary which stands on top of a chapel.
7. Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod
Location: South Road Properties
The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is one of the newest tourist destinations in Cebu. Named after the Philippines’ newest saint San Pedro Calungsod, the chapel was designed by Architect Carlos Arnaiz and is known for its ‘100 walls’ of varying heights and widths. The chapel currently stands near the edge of SM’s property at the South Road Properties.
6. Langub Church
Location: Guadalupe, Cebu City
The Langub (Cave) Church in Barangay Kalunasan is one of Cebu’s most interesting religious destinations. Despite its size, the church is frequented by thousands of devotees and believers each year. The cave church houses the image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe, Cebu’s patron saint. According to stories, the image was kept in this cave during the Spanish-Filipino conflict. The image was only re-discovered when it was found by accident by a local chicken trapper.
5. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Location: Downtown, Cebu City
One of the most visited churches in Cebu City is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Located just a few hundred meters from the famed Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the cathedral is considered the ecclesiastical seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu. The cathedral is known for its beautiful interiors and intricate details.
4. Cebu City Philippines Temple
Location: Lahug, Cebu City
Now considered one of the most important landmarks in Cebu City, the Cebu City Philippines Temple is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 133rd operating temple. Located on an 11-acre property in Barangay Lahug, the temple is frequented both by local and international members of the religious organization.
3. Monastery of the Holy Eucharist
Location: Lindogon, Sibonga
The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Lindogon, more popularly known as ‘Simala Monastery’ or simply ‘Simala,’ is undoubtedly the most popular religious site in Cebu in recent years. Once a small chapel in the hills of Lindogon, the monastery has grown over the years to become a behemoth structure complete with connecting walls, staircases, and passageways. The monastery houses the image of the Birhen (Virgin) sa Simala.
2. Magellan’s Cross
Location: Cebu City
The Magellan’s Cross chapel, more popularly known simply as ‘Magellan’s Cross,’ is a small chapel right next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The chapel houses the wooden cross planted by Portuguese circumnavigator Ferdinand Magellan right before he died in the historical Battle of Mactan. Depicted on the ceiling of the chapel is a mural of Magellan’s landing in Cebu.
1. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Location: Downtown, Cebu City
The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is without a doubt the most famous religious destination and landmark in Cebu. Housing the miraculous image of the Santo Niño de Cebu, the basilica is frequented my millions of visitors each year. Every year, during the Sinulog season, the basilica becomes the epicenter of all activities in Cebu City. Devotees from all parts of the country and the world come to the basilica to dance the Sinulog and pay homage to the miraculous image.
Have you been to all 12 religious spots in Cebu? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section!
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