Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

This was my tenth destination in Going Back to the History of Cebu

At the back Magellan's Cross I found the entrance going to the one of the oldest catholic churches in the country and the home of Sinulog Festival.  There were shops and food court near its gate.  There were guards who's checking backpacks and luggage for security purposes.  A lot of people were here that day, even though there was no special occasion. 


Basilica Minore del Santo Niño or Minor Basilica of the Holy Child is one of the minor basilicas in Cebu City.  This is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country built in the same spot where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565 by Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.  This statue is the same with the statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon, 44 years later, as a gift during their baptism on April 14, 1521 at the exact location of Magellan's Cross today.


This church was founded by Rev. Andres de Urdanera on April 28, 1565.  The very first church structure was made from hard wood and nipa but it was burned down in November 1, 1566.  Thirty years later, 1605, the replacement of this church was started by Rev. Pedro Torres and was completed in 1626.  But, it was again destroyed by fire in March 1628.  The next structure was built immediately, using stone and bricks, by Rev. Juan de Medina, but it was stopped due to the low quality of bricks being used.

The foundation of this church was started on February 29, 1735 by Father Provincial Bergaño, Governor-General Fernando Valdes, Bishop Manuel Antonio Decio y Ocampo and Rev. Juan de Albarran who designed the structure.  The church that we can see today  is made from hard stones ordered by Fernando Valdes y Tamon.  This church was built in the same spot where the previous church stood and was completed in 1739-1740.

In September 1990, the friday masses were moved into the Pilgrim Center (photo above) to accommodate more people.  This is an open theater located in front of the basilica.  It can accommodate about 3,500 devotees at a time during masses or large festivities.  Another place that can be found in the Basilica Complex, at the rear portion of the Pilgrim Center is the Museum.  It houses the history of Christianity in the Philippines.  Some historical and religious artifacts like the images of Santo Niño, antique relics, furniture's, glasses, vestments and etc. used by the former catholic leaders can be found. 

I didn't enter the church because too many people were staying at the entrance, so I was there for just about thirty minutes, then I went back to Magellan's Cross.  I asked the two policemen on duty in front of Cebu City Hall if where's the way going to Fort San Pedro - which is my next destination.