Memories of the Past | Visiting Fort San Pedro: One of the Most Historical Places in Cebu City

Happy Saturday Hivers!

It only takes one look to conclude that this building was built centuries ago. I have mentioned it in my previous blogs, expressing my fascination with ancient buildings due to their architectural style. Undeniably, it may give us an impression of how creepy it is at night. How many ghost stories have people noticed during both day and night? That is one of the questions that always lingers in my mind whenever I encounter ancient buildings. However, my strong fascination constantly compels me to enter and explore their interiors.

Are you ready to see inside?

Fort San Pedro is located in the heart of Cebu City and it is situated near the coastline. It is very close to Plaza Independencia, which only takes a few minutes to reach on foot. This place is rich in history. Would you like to learn more about it? If so, let's go inside.

If you find many local and foreign tourists flocked outside and inside Fort San Pedro, it is because this is one of the most interesting places to visit especially if one has strong fascination with history. This place showcases the memories of the past.

A few weeks ago, we visited Fort San Pedro. We left home early to avoid the crowds. Fortunately, when we got there, there were only a few guests around because we arrived too early. As a result, we were able to enjoy the place.

It was clearly visible in the entrance area when this fort was built. According to the information provided, the construction was started in 1565. Just imagine, it was built many centuries ago. But originally, this fort was made of wood. In the early 17th century a stone fort was built to provide significant improvements in defense.

Before we began to wander inside, we paid the entrance fee of PHP 30.00 each. The security guard will not allow guests to enter unless they show their receipt as proof of payment for the entrance fee.

The entrance area has historical information boards where you will be able to see past events such as the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu and the planting of a cross, as well as a photo of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who founded the first Spanish settlement in Cebu in 1565, and more.

Have you noticed that we have many ancient buildings here with the same architectural design as those in European countries? The Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards for 333 years (1565~1898), and as a result, most of our forts and churches here were influenced by Spanish style, not only in terms of architectural design but also in language.

Until this time, we still use some Spanish words like "kutsara" and "tinidor." When I was a kid, I often heard the words "kutsara" and "tinidor." My mother would always remind me to properly place the "kutsara" and "tinidor" on each plate when I was tasked with setting up the table before mealtime. I initially thought they were Visayan words, but later I learned that they were actually Spanish words for spoon and fork. Honestly, I don't know the Visayan words for "kutsara" and "tinidor" because I have been using the words "kutsara" and "tinidor" since I was young.

My great grandmother, who was my mother's grandmother, was fluent in the Spanish language. I had the opportunity to meet her until I was 7 years old. While I don't remember many details from that time, one thing I do recall is that she spoke Spanish fluently. The influence of the Spanish language on Filipino vocabulary is one of the lasting legacies of the Spanish colonization period in the Philippines.

While we continued exploring, I noticed some employees diligently keeping the place tidy and organized. They were busy trimming the plants and sweeping the ground. This place is still well-maintained.

We went to the second floor of the building. I told my niece that we would quickly explore upstairs because it was already hot. Although it was cloudy at that time, the temperature was still unbearable.

Have you noticed the wall? It is made of bricks. It feels like I am exploring in European countries because of the building's walls and archs.

This unique and modern building will truly capture guests' attention once they reach the second floor. It has a captivating style. What can you see on the building?

There were many cannons installed on the rooftop of Fort San Pedro. I wasn't able to count the exact number, but according to my research, there were 14 mounted cannons.

Aside from the 14 mounted cannons, there are also bastions on the rooftop, with each bastion situated in every corner of the fort.

The rooftop is adorned with many plants and trees, which help to alleviate the hot temperature.

I discovered another set of stairs leading upwards. However, as I approached closer, I realized that the gate was closed and there was a signage indicating that accessing the stairs is prohibited.

So I proceeded straight ahead with my niece. While admiring the view, I realized that I had a splendid view of Plaza Independencia from this corner.

While exploring the rooftop, I came across a few rooms that had a creepy appearance. I didn't linger for long as I started to feel scared.

After exploring the rooftop, my niece and I decided to leave the place as the temperature was already becoming too hot. It was a wonderful experience to explore this historical site, even though there were parts of it that evoked great pain. Nevertheless, it is an integral part of history.

Thank you for reading and see you on my next blog. Cheers!

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Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.

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