⛪ Basilica del Santo Niño (Cebu)
Philippines
About This Sacred Site
The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City is the oldest Roman Catholic parish in the Philippines, established in 1565. The basilica houses the Santo Niño de Cebu, a figure of the Child Jesus given by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana of Cebu in 1521. The figure is believed to be miraculous and is the oldest Christian relic in the Philippines. The annual Sinulog Festival, celebrating the Santo Niño, is one of the largest religious festivals in Asia, drawing millions of devotees in a colorful street parade.
Key Facts
- •The oldest Roman Catholic parish in the Philippines (1565)
- •Houses the Santo Niño figure presented by Magellan in 1521
- •The Santo Niño is the oldest Christian relic in the Philippines
- •The annual Sinulog Festival draws millions of devotees
- •The original wooden figure survived a fire that destroyed Magellan's cross shelter
Location
Coordinates: 10.2936, 123.9042
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