Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

Cebu, Philippines Travel Guide

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Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

Overview: It’s really amazing to wheel into the Basilica Sto Nino plaza. In the hub-bub of the plaza, numerous kids careen around selling colorful balloons while the devout light incense sticks and candles just outside the Sto Nino museum.

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino (aka Sto Nino) is the oldest church in the Philippines. The church houses the relic of Sto Nino, or baby Jesus (or “Holy Child”), which was originally given by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521. The Sto Nino relic is a statue of the Child Jesus and is approximately 11 inches long adorned a red vestment. What makes the Sto Nino relic so special is that in 1565, after an attack and burning of the Sugbo village, now Cebu, the Sto Nino survived in the chars unharmed. From this moment, the locals and people from all over the Philippines have venerated the Sto Nino.

The convent of the Sto Nino was founded by Fr. Andres de Urdaneta on April 28, 1565. The first construction of the church took place in 1566 under Fr. Diego de Herrera but it wasn’t until 1735 when the foundation of the current Basilica started. The Basilica’s style mixes Romanesque, neo-classical and Muslim motifs. It has a bell tower and a triangular roof at the center, over the symbolic tre-foil entrance. Perhaps representing the trinity? In front of the church, you will see devout Catholics praying and worshiping. The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is located at Osmena Blvd and P. Burgos St in the downtown, historic and pier area (all in one).

Location: Basilica del Santo Niño, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Site: http://www.basilicadelsantoninodecebu.org
Ph: 63 032 255-669-7 to 9 (all departments)

Cost: Free

Accessibility: The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is wheelchair accessible. There is no step at the entrance.

Getting There: Cab it for P55 from the city center.