Take a step back in time as you visit Fort San Pedro, a postcard-perfect colonial fort along A. Pigafetta Street. This landmark provides the perfect introduction to Cebu’s history, as well as the history of the Philippines. You know it was in Cebu where the Spanish colonizers first began their conquest of this Southeast Asian country, and Fort San Pedro is a remnant of this momentous event.
Hailed as the country’s oldest fort, Fort San Pedro was built in 1565—six years before Manila’s Fort Santiago was created—by the Spaniards under the command of conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is said that the original fort was made of wood. But, to repel Muslim raiders, it was changed to stones.
Fort San Pedro has served not just as an army garrison, but also as a rebel stronghold, prison camp, and zoo. Today’s partly ruined structure dates back to the late 1700s and includes an appealing gateway, a small section of rampants, and a small museum. Its museum is home to preserved Spanish artifacts, such as paintings, old photographs, sculptures, and documents, among others.
Today, the fort’s spacious lawn is also offered as a venue for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. Fort San Pedro’s peaceful walled garden is the perfect retreat from the chaos, madness, hustle, and bustle of the city.
How to Get to Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro is located in the heart of Cebu City, so it is easy to reach this landmark, especially if you are coming from around town.
If you wish to commute, you can ride a jeepney to Plaza Independencia or a MyBus from SM City Cebu to Plaza Independencia (take the bus going to Talisay). MyBus is a convenient bus transport system around Cebu.
Be sure to get off at the location closest to the entrance road of South Road Properties. Then, simply proceed to Plaza Independencia, which is just across Malacañang sa Sugbo.
For more convenience, you can hire a private car or ask about this from your tour operator. Navigate using Google Maps or Waze, and plot the destination to “Fort San Pedro.” Parking spaces are available around this attraction.
Best Time To Visit Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro and its gardens are open from morning until around early evening, every day of the week, though its museum operates for shorter hours.
The fort has indoor and outdoor spaces, so if you don’t have an umbrella to protect you from the rains, you better schedule your trip here during Cebu’s summer months, or from February to May.
Additionally, Fort San Pedro looks vividly impressive after dark as it gets illuminated. If you wish to do some beautiful night photography, drop by here at night.
Fort San Pedro Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for Fort San Pedro are 30 PHP (~0.5 USD). Senior citizens, students, and people with disabilities (PWD) get a 20 percent discount. Just be sure to present a valid ID.
Fort San Pedro Opening Hours
Fort San Pedro is open from 8 AM to 7 PM daily.
