The Cebu Provincial Capitol is the seat of the provincial government of Cebu. It was designed by Juan Arellano, a Filipino architect who trained in the United States.

Construction started in 1937 during the incumbency of Governor Sotero Cabahug and was finished one year later during the time of Governor Buenaventura Rodriquez. It was inaugurated on June 14, 1938 by Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.

The capitol features a domed three-level main building flanked by a two-level wing on both sides. The concave facade at the middle portion of the building contains an inscription that says “The authority of the government emanates from the people. Erected A.D. MCMXXXVII.”

The dome caps a spacious rotunda cum lobby at the second level of the building. Staircases from both sides of the main entrance at the ground floor lead to this lobby. From this lobby are the entrance to the social hall and two hallways that lead to the north and south wings of the capitol. Along these hallways are the various rooms and offices of the provincial government and the old session hall which was recently converted into a museum. The governor’s office is located at the northern wing while the vice-governor’s is located at the opposite wing.

Kilometer zero marker.

The design of the capitol incorporates various styles. For example, the statues that top the pediment of the social hall bear influences of art deco while the columns below it are Tuscan.

The capitol was damaged during World War II but was eventually rehabilitated under the Tydings War Damage Act of 1946.