The Castillo de San Vicente Ferrer (Fort of Saint Vincent Ferrer), also known as Punta Cruz Watchtower, is located in Barangay Punta Cruz, Maribojoc, Bohol, and is one of the tourist spots in the province. It is an ideal spot to sightsee the coast that overlooks Bohol Strait and the neighboring island of Cebu, and to have picnics with family and friends. The century-old lighthouse also holds historical significance, particularly for its crucial role in safeguarding against threats from marauders.
History
The Punta Cruz Watchtower was constructed in 1796 by Father Manuel Sanchez de Nuestra Sra. del Tremendal, an Agustinian Recollect priest. The watchtower was constructed to serve as defense against Moro pirates from the south.
Design
Crafted from meticulously hewn coral stones, the structure’s foundation takes the form of an impeccably balanced isosceles triangle, seamlessly melding into a compact hexagonal tower on its second tier. It has several floors, and its central room contains the image of Saint Vincent Ferrer. At the entrance of the tower, adorned with the Spanish coat of arms and an inscription delicately tinted with hues reminiscent of reddish earth, a succinct account of the watchtower’s construction date comes into view.
Belief
Aside from the watchtower, there is a wooden cross standing in a rock clip. The townsfolk believed that a glaring light emanated from the wooden cross every time a marauder attempted to assail the province. Its aim? Safeguarding
the island against encroaching pirates or raiders.
Meaning
The word Punta Cruz was derived from the “Punta” meaning a point of land extending into a body of water and “Cruz” meaning cross, which was planted on the site to scare the Moro marauders.
Survivor
Punta Cruz Watchtower was not spared by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake which jolted the province on Oct. 15, 2013, as it suffered moderate to serious damage, based on the National Commission for Culture and the Arts technical assessment. However, it was restored to its original state in 2016.
How to get there
Visitors may take a bus ride or a jeep from Tagbilaran to Maribojoc town proper, passing a junction that leads to the tower. From there, a staircase leads to the second story, offering wide open portions of the walls that serve as windows, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Only 50 tourists are allowed inside the watchtower at any given time. They can stay for a maximum of 45 minutes. Food, water and souvenir items are sold at reasonable prices.