Mactan Shrine in Cebu
Mactan Island is more than just the site of Cebu’s best beach resorts. It also holds a piece of history, commemorated in a shrine dedicated to the island’s first hero, Datu Lapu Lapu.
DATU LAPU LAPU IN BRONZE.
Located on the northern side of Mactan Island is Mactan Shrine. It’s said to be the location where the Battle of Mactan. The Battle of Mactan is an armed struggle between Spaniards led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the men of Datu Lapu Lapu, one of the leaders of the tribes who live in Cebu.
Mactan Shrine pays homage to both Magellan and Lapu Lapu by honoring each with their own shrines. The Lapu Lapu Shrine features a bronze Lapu Lapu dressed in traditional Filipino garb while holding a kampilan or a traditional Philippine sword on his right and a shield on his left.
THE MAGELLAN MONUMENT. Said to be his final resting place, this obelisk marks the place where Ferdinand Magellan was supposedly killed in the Battle of Mactan.
The Magellan Monument, built in honor of Ferdinand Magellan, is a coral stone obelisk that marks the spot where he was supposedly slain, though no trace of his body was found. He may be seen as an enemy by most Filipinos, but he is the person responsible for bringing Christianity to the country; hence, a shrine in his memorial.
You can find the Mactan Shrine along Punta Engaño Road, Lapu Lapu City.
