The Mactan Shrine! Built to commemorate Philippine’s first battle, the Mactan Shrine is Cebu’s tribute to Datu Lapu-Lapu for defending Cebu from the invading Spaniards, led by Ferdinand Magellan, in the Battle of Mactan that happened on April 27, 1521. The shrine was raised on the supposed spot where the battle occurred. The most noticeable landmark in Mactan Shrine is a bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu holding a bolo and shield and an obelisk devoted to Magellan, which was raised in 1866. The obelisk is the one in the middle of the circle while Lapu-Lapu’s statue is at the square area 50 meters north, beside the shore where the Battle of Mactan is reenacted yearly in the Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration. Between the two landmarks stands the Philippine flag, and to the east of the obelisk is a little building containing a plinth with plaques on both sides, one about Lapu-Lapu, and the other about Magellan. Behind the plinth is a painting portraying the battle.

Attraction & Features:

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine has a 20-meter bronze statue of the Datu

and is believed to be the exact spot where the battle occurred.

The Magellan monument which was erected in memory of Ferdinand Magellan.

The Plaque commemorating Lapu-Lapu’s heroism during the Battle of Mactan.

You can also buy trinkets and native products made from capiz and all sorts of sea shells.