Basilica Minore del Santo Nino Cebu

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino Cebu is the oldest Roman Catholic Church of 16th century in Cebu city. It is located in the center of the city and is a perfect example of combination of three different architecture styles i.e. Muslim, Roman and neo-classical. The church was built at the exact location where the image of Santo Nino that means the Black Holy Child Jesus was found.

The Spaniards originally built basilica Minore del Santo Nino in 1566 but it was later rebuilt twice in 1602 and in 1735. Earlier it was made of hard wood, mud and nipa but later by the orders of Cebu Governor Fernando Valdes Y Tamon it was constructed out of hard stone materials.

At present, this Catholic Church attracts number of devotees, churchgoers, tourists and other visitors. To accommodate visitors, a pilgrim center was built within the compound of church as well as a open-air structure was also built form where priests could officiate the mass.

This one of the oldest church of Philippines is devoted to Santo Nino that is the most popular symbol of Cebu city. According to the legends, it was a powerful deity of the colonial period and was generally known by the name of Captain General. Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is among one of the famous symbols of the city.