Fort San Pedro, Cebu – A Memory Lane Worth Exploring at Least Once
If you are looking for a historical place to visit in Cebu, then aside from the Magellan’s Cross in the center of the city, Fort San Pedro is definitely worth seeing. You can explore it in just half a day.
Fort San Pedro front and entrance
3-4 hours would be enough time to learn an important slice of the history of the Queen City of the South and you’ll have the afternoon to maybe have a picnic at the Plaza Independencia right in front of it if the weather is okay or just cool off in SM or Ayala.
Entrance fee is Php 100 (subject to change over time) and opening hours are from 8AM to 6PM. It is advisable you go on a weekday to avoid the crowd and fully enjoy the now museum-park structure. Weekends are still okay though, but be prepared to encounter more tourists. If you really do not like the crowd, avoid going to the fort during the Sinulog period as it will be packed and the place is not that big.
pictures depicting the history of Cebu found along the fort's entrance hallway
picture of the Spanish ships arriving in Cebu
Located at Pier Area Cebu City, it is easily accessible by taxi. All cab drivers know where it is so no problem. From the city, the fare can cost around 100-120 php. From Mactan, the ride could set you back around 200 pesos or more.
small museum inside Fort San Pedro
As mentioned, Fort San Pedro is now a museum and a park. But carved on its old walls is the memory of the turbulent past of Cebu. The fort was constructed under the direction of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The main reason behind its creation is the fact that the Spaniards were not really welcomed by all the locals then. There were revolts and lots of hostilities so the Spaniards had to build this small defensive structure to protect themselves.
the fort courtyard
Over time, Fort San Pedro served many purposes. When the Americans with Commodore Dewey at the lead ousted the Spaniards, the fort was turned over to Cebuano revolutionaries. Later on, it became a part of the American Warwick Barracks. Then it transitioned into an army camp. Years later, it had to undergo various restorations. Presently, it is a park, a museum, and a wonderful tourist attraction. It is not for people looking for a very immersive experience though. Truthfully, there is not much there now except for Spanish structures, a few cannons, a courtyard, and old walls that just manage to convey a historical atmosphere. However, it is perfect for visitors just wanting to relax, know a bit of Cebuano history, and take loads of pictures.
old but dignified Fort San Pedro
fort side view
Add it to your itinerary when you have the time for it will surely help you know Cebu, its history, and its people more.
one of the cannons inside the fort
do enjoy Fort San Pedro when you have the time while visiting Cebu
To see more of our pictures taken when we visited the place, simply view the video below. A caution though to those who want to see things first hand. The slideshow pretty much covered the whole place, so just skip it if you wish see things at the fort with your own eyes. Whichever you choose, enjoy!
Jaunt Express 
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Last time we there (July 2011), if i can still remember, we paid only 30pesos for the entrance. The place is worth visiting and the structure is really nice.
Hello Patrick, thanks for visiting. Really? just 30 pesos? We went there September 2011 and we really had to pay 100. They must have changed their fees lately and I find the change very steep whew. Oh well, hopefully they’d make good use of the money and use if for proper maintenance of the place.