Originally called Calle Magallanes, this was one of the earliest streets built by the Spanish colonizers in the city. Named after Ferdinand Magellan (also known as Fernando Magallanes), the Portuguese explorer who discovered the Philippines, this was the center of the business district in the late 19th century when the island rose to prosperity with the reopening of its port to world trade. Today, it is a busy thoroughfare in the heart of downtown Cebu where the historic Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño are located. City Hall also lies along this street.