Plaza Independencia, Cebu City

It's the unofficial lawn of Fort San Pedro, and one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Cebu - Plaza Independencia.

It pays homage to Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the Spaniard touted to be the founder of Cebu City. He is also the first governor general of the Philippines under the Spanish rule. His all-white memorial edifice (see photo above) rises right across a pavilion. It also has a bronze statue of former president Ramon Magsaysay, one of the most beloved presidents the country has ever had. Magsaysay is the 7th president of the country, particularly admired by the grass root society. The plaza also hosts a weird looking statue in honor of the war veterans; the monument faces the Philippine Ports Authority building from the bayside area. A skating rink is situated near Legaspi's memorial, with huge Acacia trees gracefully rising from the plain.

FIVE NAMES

It was originally called Plaza de Armas in the early 1600's, probably due to it's strategic location to the defensive fort, but after an expansion of the grounds, it was renamed Plaza Mayor. Another name change occurred when the Spaniards wanted to honor the Spanish Queen , calling the place Plaza Maria Cristina. When the Americans took over the reigns, they emphasized the country's "freedom" from the haughty Spaniards, thus renaming once again the park into "Plaza Libertad". Its latest renaming resulted to "Plaza Independencia".

These days, the plaza is a stately facade of the frequently visited Fort San Pedro. It deserves to be visited.

This gated plaza is open daily: 6AM to 10 PM Mondays to Fridays, and 5 AM to 12 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.

This is the Eye in the Sky!






Memorial of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the first governor general of the country and the founder of Cebu City.



Ramon Magsaysay, the Philippines' 7th President











War Veterans' Monument











Giant Acacia trees