When the Spanish decided to make Cebu into a trading port, they built a fort to keep it safe, mainly from muslim kingdoms resisting the colonization. The current structure dates from 1738, making it the oldest bastion fort in the country. The fort was nearly demolished in the late 1950s. It was saved, but was not restored until the late 1960s.

Today the fort is a national monument serving as an open air museum. There's a small photographic exhibit on the upper floor, while rotating displays can sometimes be found on the lower floors. The fort is open daily from 8am to 7pm. The entrance fee is 30 Pesos.

San Pedro Fort is very close to the Magellan Cross monument. It is also not far from the Carbon market, the city's main fresh market.