Photo of the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City taken Wednesday morning, June 28, 2023| Wenilyn Sabalo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Over the years, Plaza Independencia has played host to several events. It was a witness to important political and religious meetings.
Plaza Independencia is one of the most historically significant places in Cebu.
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A marker in the plaza details its history. It says that in the early 1600s, the park was called Plaza de Armas, a public square used as military training and parade grounds.
Plaza Independencia| Photo by Wenilyn Sabalo
Accounts in history said that when it was expanded later to reach nearby properties of the Cathedral of Cebu, it was named Plaza Mayor.
Later, in the Spanish rule, it was named Plaza Maria Cristina l, in honor of the reigning queen.
Plaza Independencia
During the American Colonial period, its name was changed to Plaza Libertad, acknowledging the liberation from Spanish rule.
Finally, when the colonial masters had all left, it became Plaza Independencia.
Plaza Independencia. CDN Digital photo | Wenilyn Sabalo
As the SRP tunnel was being built in 2006, prehistoric human bones and some earthenware were discovered during the excavations.
The Plaza was rehabilitated and was reopened on May 8, 2011.
| Wenilyn Sabalo
/bmjo
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