Aside from the kiosk housing Magellan’s Cross, the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Queen City of the South. Located at the junction connecting General Maxilom Avenue and Osmeña Boulevard, it is among the most famous plazas in Cebu.
Fuente Osmeña - image source: snakeworm.wordpress.com
It was named after the “Grand Old Man of Cebu,“ the late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. The rotunda features a park and a picturesque fountain illuminated with colorful lights in the evenings. In addition to being a place where lovebirds meet and families to enjoy their day, the rotunda also became the venue of numerous local events, like government functions, social gatherings and beauty pageants, among others.
Fuente Osmeña at Night - image source: www.youtube.com
Fuente Osmeña was inaugurated in 1912 and was constructed to inaugurate the new water system of the city. The Fuente Osmeña Rotunda was part of the master plan for Cebu prepared by Architect William Parsons in 1911. The Parsons plan recommended the construction of the new Capitol building on the site of rotunda, which served as the central hub from where six diagonal roads would emanate from. The Parson plan showed similarities with the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but only General Maxilom Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard and B. Rodriguez Avenue were built.
Fuente Osmeña - image source: sunstar.com.ph
Fuente Osmeña was once the center of activity in the city with numerous business establishments and government offices surrounding it. While development in the city has spread to other areas, it is still a welcome oasis for early morning joggers and late night strollers who want to end the day taking in the breathtaking lights of the city.
Fuente Osmeña - image source: cebubarkada.com
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