History
The Fort San Pedro (or the Fuerte de San Pedro in Spanish) is a military defence structure in Cebu. It was built by the Spaniards under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first governor of Captaincy General of the Philippines. The original fort built right after the arrival of Legaspi and his expedition was made of wood. It was then replaced in the 17th century with a stone fort to repel Muslim raiders.
Today’s fort was built in 1738. It is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country. It served as the embryo of the very first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. At the end of the 19th century during the Philippine Revolution, the fort was attacked and taken by the Filipino Revolutionaries who used it as a stronghold.
Fort San Pedro is triangular in shape. It has two sides facing the sea and the third side is facing the land. The sides facing the sea were safeguarded with cannon and the front with a strong fence made with wood. Its three bastions are named La Concepcion (southwest), Ignacio de Loyola (southeast), and San Miguel (northeast). Fourteen cannons were settled in their locations and most of them are still there today.
Chronological history of Fort San Pedro
1. Pre-Construction (1565–1738)
- 1565: After Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi established the first Spanish settlement in Cebu, he ordered the construction of a wooden fort named Fuerte de San Pedro (Fort San Pedro) to defend against Portuguese attacks and local resistance.
- Early 1600s: The fort was initially a simple triangular structure made of wood and earth, serving as a military outpost.
2. Stone Fort Construction (1738–1739)
- 1738: Under the orders of Spanish Governor Fernando Valdés y Tamon, the fort was rebuilt using coral stones and mortar made from egg whites, limestone, and coral. This transformed it into a permanent triangular bastion fort.
- Design: Triangular with three bastions (La Concepción, Ignacio de Loyola, and San Miguel) facing seaward to repel invaders.
- Purpose: To protect against Muslim raiders (Moro pirates), Dutch invaders, and other threats.
3. Spanish Colonial Era (1739–1898)
- Late 1700s–1800s:
- Served as a garrison for Spanish soldiers.
- Functioned as a prison for Filipino revolutionaries during the late 19th century.
- Survived attacks, including an 1898 bombardment by American forces during the Spanish-American War.
4. American Period (1898–1946)
- 1898–1930s:
- The U.S. took control of the fort after Spain ceded the Philippines.
- Used as a barracks for American troops and later as a school (e.g., Cebu School of Arts and Trades).
- 1937: Declared a national park under the American colonial government.
5. World War II (1942–1945)
- 1942–1945:
- Occupied by Japanese forces, who used the fort as a prison and hospital.
- Suffered damage during the Allied liberation of Cebu in 1945.
6. Post-War Restoration & Modern Use (1950s–Present)
- 1950s: Restored by the Cebu Garden Club and transformed into a public park.
- 1970s–2000s:
- 1978: Declared a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government.
- 1990s: The Cebu City Government undertook further renovations to preserve its structure.
- 2000s: Converted into a museum showcasing artifacts from the Spanish era, including cannons, documents, and religious relics.
- Present Day:
- Open to tourists as Plaza Independencia’s centerpiece in Cebu City.
- Features gardens, a small museum, and preserved cannons.
- Hosts cultural events and serves as a symbol of Cebu’s colonial past.
Location of Cebu Fort San Pedro
The Cebu Fort San Pedro is located in A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City. It is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm. A very minimal entrance fee is collected upon the entrance at the fort.
At present, Fort San Pedro is under the care and administration of the Cebu City government. It is now a historical park under City Executive Order no. 08-87 of February 08, 2008 (Plaza Independencia – Fort San Pedro Interim Policy and advisory Board PIFSIPAB). The land on which the fort is situated is owned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Cebu Fort San Pedro Updates
Today, part of the fort is a museum that displays legacies of the Spanish government and well-preserved Spanish artifacts like documents, paintings, and sculptures. The large lawn of the fort is now being used for functions like weddings, birthdays, and other occasions. But certain permits and requirements should be approved first by the designated personnel.