Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Commonly known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is one of the minor basilicas in Cebu City. It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Its current structure is situated on the exact spot where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565 by the Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The statue is the same as the statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon 44 years later as a gift during their baptism on April 14, 1521, at the exact location of Magellan's Cross today.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Photo: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

The History of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño:

  • Founded by Rev. Andres de Urdanera
  • Founded on April 28, 1565

This minor basilica in Cebu City was founded by Rev. Andres de Urdanera on April 28, 1565. The first church structure was made from hardwood and nipa but was burned down on November 1, 1566. Thirty years later, in 1605, the replacement of this church was started by Rev. Pedro Torres and was completed in 1626. But, it was again destroyed by fire in March 1628. The following structure was built immediately, using stone and bricks, by Rev. Juan de Medina, but it was stopped due to the low quality of bricks being used.


The foundation of this church was started on February 29, 1735, by Father Provincial Bergaño, Governor-General Fernando Valdes, Bishop Manuel Antonio Decio y Ocampo, and Rev. Juan de Albarran, who designed the structure. Today, the church we can see is made from hard stones ordered by Fernando Valdes y Tamon. This church was built in the same spot where the previous church stood and was completed in 1739-1740. READ: My Solo-Backpacking and A Walking Tour in Cebu City