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Cebu is a province of the Philippines, in the country’s Central Visayas region, comprising Cebu Island and more than 150 smaller surrounding islands and islets. Its prosperous port capital, Cebu City, retains landmarks from its 16th-century Spanish colonial past, including the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church and triangular Fort San Pedro. Tops, an observation deck on Mt. Busay, has sweeping views over the city. 

Cebu is the centre of Visayan-Cebuano culture and has preserved a strong Spanish tradition in its cultural life. Attracted by the island’s focal position, the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan landed there and converted the ruler and chiefs to Christianity. He later was killed on nearby Mactan Island. There are numerous relics of the event in Cebu City.

Cebu was probably the first Philippine island to cultivate corn on a widespread basis after that plant’s introduction by the Spaniards. Coarse-ground corn remains the staple food, though grain is imported from Mindanao, for Cebu is not agriculturally self-sufficient. Cebu’s manufacturing industries are limited primarily to food processing. Coal, copper, limestone, gold, and silver are mined in the central hill country of the island. In addition to Cebu City, the major settlements on Cebu are Danao, Lapu-Lapu (formerly Opon), Toledo, and Mandaue.