Fort San Pedro

Cebu, Philippines Travel Guide

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Fort San Pedro

Overview: Construction of the Philippines’ smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort, Fort San Pedro, started in 1565 by the Spanish Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The fort was named after Miguel’s ship and its the site of first Spanish community in the Philippines. Fort San Pedro was originally built to protect against invaders but later, it became a prison. At the end of Osmena Blvd (which turns into Juan Luna St at Sanciangko St, then turns back to Osmena, then Juan Luna again) is Plaza Independence, and Fort San Pedro is located next to (just east of) the plaza.

Inside the fort is a nice rolling grass area. Atop the fort, there are three watch towers serving as bastions. La Conception is located at the southwest with Ignacio de Loyola at the southeast and San Miguel at the north. The San Miguel bastion includes a butterfly conservation. Long, iron canons sit perched along the walls in between the bastions or watch towers. Stroll around the entire perimeter and each side of the tri-bastion fort gives a different view of Cebu City. The fort does provide an excellent view of the ocean for sure. And, you can definitely sense Cebu’s history.

The security guard at For San Pedro, by the way, helped push me up the long, rugged stone ramp to the top of the fort. He also took my video introduction of the fort!

Location: Serging Osmena Blvd, Barangay San Roque, Cebu City
Site: www.fortsanpedro.com
Email: fortsanpedro_cebucity@yahoo.com
Ph: 62 032 256 2284
Hours: 8am – 8pm

Cost: P21/adults, P13/kids

Accessibility: Fort San Pedro is wheelchair accessible. The entrance is ground level (does not have a step). There is a stone ramp that goes up to the watch towers, but it is steep and patchy and quite an experience. The security guard will help you up if you’re alone.

Getting There: Cab it for P60 from Fuente Osmena