Fort San Pedro in Cebu City Philippines - Kahibalo Foundation
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Fort San Pedro, Cebu-City. One of the oldest structures in the Philippines

Fort San Pedro (“Fuerza San Pedro in Spanish”) is one of the oldest structures and one of the smallest forts found in the Philippines. It is the first Spanish fort established in the country. Its construction started on 8th May 1565, a few days after the arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in Cebu. This Fort is built in a tri-bastion style and served as a military stronghold for the Spaniards. It was built against local hostiles, who were trying to charge from the shore. Where does the name come from? It is named after the flagship Legazpi sailed the Pacific Ocean in 1565.

The unique triangular design

The first fort was built with wood. It was replaced by the stone structure was put in place in the early XVII century. What we see today is probably from 1738. Fort San Pedro has a triangular shape – each side of unequal length. Two of them face the shore and the remaining one the current city. The ones from the shore sides were equipped with artillery – 14 cannons. Most of them can be seen there today. The third wall was a strong palisade of wood where the main gate of the Fort was placed. 

The 2,026 square meter area consists of three watchtowers (or bastions) built in the southwest, southeast, and the north. Accordingly their names are: La Conception, Ignacio de Loyola, and San Miguel. Originally, freshwater wells were found inside the Fort. However, only one remains functional to this day. It is located between the Viviende del Teniente and Cuerpo de Guardia buildings. 

The American and Japanese rule

Spaniards were defeated in Manila Bay in 1898, marking the end of the Spanish rule. The Fort was surrendered to Cebuano rebels in December that year. By then, Cebuanos were finally able to enter and raise the Philippine flag to celebrate the new found independence. Sadly, it was not for long. In 1899 the Fort would then be used as a stronghold for the American military, forming part of the Warwick Barracks. 

The Fort, however, was abandoned on 26th November 1917. By then, Cebu City Government requested to be put in charge of the now abandoned fort and put the public park in place. Between 1937 and 1941 the abandoned barracks were converted into school rooms for Cebuanos. During the Japanese occupation in 1942-1945, the Fort served as a stronghold for the Japanese Army. They constructed trenches and dug tunnels to the sea. During the battle for liberation, the Fort served as a hospital. 

The independence days

Between 1946 and 1950 it served as an army camp. Later on, however, the Fort came back to the independent society as the Cebu Garden Club took over. They created a mini-garden in the inner court of the Fort. The ruins of the upper deck were occupied by a first clinic of the City Health as well as by the Presidential Arm and Community Development and City Public Works.

Interestingly, from 1957 the Fort yard was used by… The City Zoo! From 1968, however, the plans of the Fort restoration were put in place and the Zoo was relocated. After that, it was used by a government office in 1978-1993. 

Fort San Pedro – modern days

As you could read, the history of the Fort is full of plot twists and changes of owners and purposes. The old structure reminds Cebuanos of centuries of their history, from Spanish colonial rule to Japanese occupation. What is it today then?

Currently the Fort is a famous tourist spot within Cebu City under the management of the City Government from 2008 (before it was Department of Tourism). Inside, one can find the museum showcasing many Spanish artifacts, from documents to sculptures. It also has a display of historic photos. In the inner yard there is a well-maintained park with many greenery and flowers beautifying the Fort. This is also a venue for many cultural events and is a famous destination for visitors during “Gabii sa Kabilin” which is a version of Europe’s famous “The Night of Museums”.

The fort is located just behind the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City at A. Pigafetta Street. It is right on the left side when someone exits the Pier 1 (coming by ferry from Tagbilaran City, for example). It is open to visitors between 8 AM and 7 PM. The entrance fee is 30 PHP.


Author: Francine Wagas (USC’s Student) i Filip Wojciechowski (Kahibalo Foundation)

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