Fort San Pedro: The Fortress of Cebu

Fort San Pedro or Fuerte de San Pedro is Cebu’s Military defense structure built by the Spaniards under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. The Fort is described built of stone mortar with a terreplein where guns are mounted. The construction started on May 8, 1565 and was fully established on 1738. When Americans won the victory against Spain during the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898, the Fort was given to the Cebuano rebels. This historical place did not only served as a defensive camp but also used as school rooms for many Cebuanos during the World War II.

After the wars, it became a ruin that only two towers were left recognizable. The people planned and estimated the restoration which has been fulfilled and completed by Architect Leonardo Concepcion. It was jointly funded by the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (now Department of Tourism, Cebu City Government, and the Cebu Zonta Club).

The restoration of Fort San Pedro required a lot of time before the whole stuff was completed because they want it to look like close to the original form to preserve its vintage look. The Fort was then turned over on February 1, 2008 from the Philippine Tourist Authority to the City Government.

Nowadays, Fort San Pedro is always on the list of itineraries of tourists whether local or foreign. People don’t want to miss the experience of knowing the history and culture of the Cebuanos during the colonization.