The cross is housed in a Spanish kiosk that was built in 1834 next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street, just in front of the city hall of Cebu City. The present day cross, located in the very center of the kiosk, actually is the outer casing made of tindalo wood (bayong), built around the original cross made from bonglas ( a specie of narra).

The outer hollow casing is said to protect the original cross from the habit of the natives to chip off pieces of the cross from which they attributed great powers.

In 1566, the church, which was then built with Nipa and wood, was destoryed by fire, and was rebuilt in 1602. The second church, again built with nipa and wood, was completed in 1626 but was again burned in 1628. Another church was built, this time using bricks and stone. It was completed in 1740.

In 1965, during the fourth centenary of the Christianization of the Philippines, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica. The Basilica remains under the care of the Order of St. Augustine.

Today, thousands of devotees gather at trhe basilica every Friday for the Novena. Thousands more flock to the church for the Sinulog celebration help every 3rd week of January.

The monument showcases the significant and historic events in the history of Cebu, from the time of Rajah Humabon up to the beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calungsod.

The monument was constructed in July of 1997 and was inaguarated in December 8, 2000.

The original structure of Fort San pedro was built to provide immediate security to the members of the Spanish expedition encamped in the shores of Cebu. Construction started on May 8, 1565, eleven days after Miguel López de Legazpi’s arrival in the island. The fort was named San Pedro, probably in honor of de Legazpi’s flagship. The same ship was sent back to Mexico aftger the establishment of the Spanish settlement in Cebu.

The fort, now located in the area called Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City, is triangular shaped, with two sides facing the sea and the third side facing the land. The two sides facing the sea were defended with artillery and the front side with strong columns made of wood. Fourteen cannons were mounted in their emplacements most of which are still there today. There are three bastions in the fort namely La Concepción located in the southwest; Ignacio de Loyola located in the southeast, and San Miguel on the northeast.

Fort San Pedro became a part of the American Warwick Barracks during the American Regime after the victory of the Americans led by Commodore Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 that marked the end of the Spanish era in the Philippine Islands.During World War II from 1942 to 1945, Japanese residents of the City took refuge within the walls. When the battle to liberate the City of Cebu from the Imperial Japanese Forces was fought, the fort served as an emergency hospital for the wounded.

The fort went numerous modifications and changes. Today, it is under the care and administration of the City of Cebu, as historical park. Inside the fort houses the legacies of the Spanish Government. The well preserved Spanish artifacts such as Spanish documents, paintings and sculpture.

Although modern malls have sprouted all over Cebu, most people from all walks of life still prefer visiting the old colon due to its cheaper merchandise. Every year starting the month of December, an open-air market is held in Colon Street called “Pasko sa colon”. Literally a portion of colon Street is closed from all vehicles, and small merchandisers are allowed to line up on the street to display their products. A perfect shopping destination for bargain hunters for the holiday seasons.