Known as the “City of Love,” Iloilo City is renowned for its rich architectural legacy in addition to its colorful festivals and mouthwatering food. Magnificent historic homes scattered across the city serve as silent reminders of Iloilo’s richness in the past. Constructed during the sugar boom era, these ancestral residences exhibit the luxury and artistry of a bygone era.
Casa Mariquit
The oldest heritage house still standing in Iloilo is Casa Mariquit which was constructed in 1803. It used to be a bank and an apartment on Jaro’s Santa Isabel Street. Maria Salvacion Virto Javellana, whose nickname is Mariquit that means “beautiful” in Filipino, and her husband who is the former Vice President Fernando Hofileña Lopez Sr., owned the home. It now functions as a museum and conserves the Javellana-Lopez family’s extensive history and artifacts.
Visitor Tips:
- If the main entrance appears to be closed, look for the side gate or ask locals for directions.
- Pictures are generally allowed however it is advisable to ask for permission especially if you’re planning for a photoshoot.
- Guided tours may be available upon request.
Other Information:
- Visiting Hours: Daily around 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
- Entrance Free: ₱50.00 per person.
How To Get There?
Location: 20 Santa Isabel St, Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines
- Via Car: From Iloilo City town proper, head approximately 3 to 4 km north to reach Jaro District. Once in Jaro, navigate to Santa Isabel Street where Casa Mariquit is located which is only within walking distance of the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Hungary & National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles. Travel time is around 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic and limited street parking is available near the heritage house.
- Via Commute: From Iloilo City town proper, take a jeepney or tricycle bound for Jaro District and ask to be dropped off near Santa Isabel Street. The ride covers approximately 3 to 4 km and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on the traffic. Once there, Casa Mariquit is within walking distance of the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Hungary & National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles.
Molo Mansion
Constructed in 1926, Molo Mansion or the Yusay-Consing Ancestral House is a fusion of Neoclassical and Art Deco architectural styles. Originally known as the Lacson-Yusay Ancestral House, it was built by Doña Petra Lacson and Estanislao Yulo Yusay. The mansion is now owned by the SM Group and houses several souvenir shops and restaurants offering visitors a glimpse into Iloilo’s rich heritage.
Other Information:
- Visiting Hours: Daily around 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
- Entrance Free: Free admission. Visitors are allowed to enter without any charge.
Visitor Tips:
- Upon arrival, inform the security personnel at the gate about your visit to the mansion.
- Limited parking is available within the mansion grounds.
- Pictures are generally allowed but it’s advisable to ask for permission especially if you’re planning for a photoshoot.
- It is recommended to contact the management in advance to arrange a tour.
How To Get There?
Location: Yusay-Consing Mansion, Locsin St, Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines
- Via Car: From Iloilo City town proper, head approximately 2 to 3 km northwest to reach Molo District. Once in Molo, navigate to Locsin Street where Molo Mansion is located from Molo Plaza and St. Anne Parish Church. Travel time is around 5 to 10 minutes depending on the traffic and limited street parking is available near the mansion.
- Via Commute: From Iloilo City town proper, take a jeepney or tricycle bound for Molo District and ask to be dropped off at Locsin Street near Molo Plaza. The ride covers approximately 2 to 3 kilometers and usually takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. Molo Mansion is easily accessible on foot from the drop off point.
Lizares Mansion
Completed in 1937, Lizares Mansion is a Beaux-Arts heritage house located in Jaro. Designed by Andrés Luna de San Pedro, the son of renowned Filipino painter Juan Luna. The mansion boasts a winding wooden staircase, large bedrooms, and 59 doors made of hardwood. During World War II, the mansion was used as a headquarters by the Japanese military. In 2024, it was declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines.
Other Information:
- Visiting Hours: Daily around 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
- Entrance Free: Free admission. Visitors are allowed to enter without any charge.
Visitor Tips:
- Upon arrival, inform the security personnel at the gate about your visit to the mansion.
- Parking is available but limited within the school grounds.
- Pictures are generally allowed but it is recommended to ask for permission especially if you’re planning for a photoshoot.
- While the mansion is now part of a private institution, guided tours may be available upon request. It’s recommended to contact the school in advance to arrange a tour.
- There is a Christmas Lights Display every December. The mansion and school grounds are adorned with thousands of Christmas lights creating a festive setting. This event attracts numerous visitors during the holiday season.
How To Get There?
Location: Angelicum School R4, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines
- Via Car: From Iloilo City town proper, head approximately 3 to 4 km northwest to reach Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro. Navigate to MacArthur Drive where Lizares Mansion is located within the compound of Angelicum School Iloilo. Travel time is around 10 to 15 minutes depending on the traffic conditions. Limited parking is available within the school grounds. It is advisable to check for available spots upon arrival.
- Via Commute: From Iloilo City town proper, take a jeepney or tricycle bound for Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro and ask to be dropped off near MacArthur Drive where Lizares Mansion is located within the Angelicum School Iloilo compound. The ride covers approximately 3 to 4 km and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on the traffic. Once dropped off, the mansion is easily accessible on foot from the main road.
