Take your eyes off the busy streets and lay them on one of the main attractions of the basilica's plaza - the ever standing Magellan's cross.
Just above the archway entrance of the home of the cross is a plaque placed by the Philippines Historical Committee - 1941. It clearly states that "From time immemorial this spot has been set aside to commemorate the erection of a cross in Cebu by the expedition of Magellan. When King Humabon of Cebu and his Queen, son and daughters, together with some 800 of their subjects were baptized by Father Pedro Valderrama. This hallowed site was improved in 1735 by Rev, Juan Albarran, prior of San Agustin and in 1834 by Rt. Rev. Santos Gomez Marañon, Bishop of Cebu. The image of the Santo Niño found by the expedition of Legaspi in a house near the present site of the cathedral of Cebu is venerated by the faithful in the nearby church of San Agustin.
Whether you're planning for a prolonged stay inside, circling the cross, or just a stride through, both are possible due to the cross' shelter having two gates directly opposite to each other. On top of this other entrance/exit however, is a date stating 1834, just about the time Rt. Rev. Santos Gomez Marañon was said to have developed the site.
Staying inside, the first thing you might notice however might be the plaque at the base of the cross. It may seem like a short statement but it tells alot about the cross, the fact that the sight itself is not the original for example. Since the bearings of time put too much pressure on the original cross, it is encased by Tindalo wood to prevent further degradation.
You think you've seen all and you find yourself bored. You yawn in disappointment but just as you do, you see an amazing sight. I told you so, staying longer inside does have its perks. On the roof of the cross' shelter are paintings of the event of the day the cross was planted on Cebu soil - the baptismal of its locals.
