Oldest Houses of the Philippines
The Philippines is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The best way to get a glimpse into this heritage is through the historic and oldest houses that can be found throughout the archipelago. From grand mansions built by wealthy families during the Spanish colonial period to traditional houses of indigenous peoples, that have stood for centuries, these structures offer a unique window into the country’s past.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most notable historical and oldest houses of the Philippines. The iconic Bahay na Bato in Luzon to the traditional houses of the T’boli in Mindanao. We’ll explore the unique features and architectural styles of these houses. we will also explore the stories and histories that are embedded within their walls. Join us on a journey through time as we uncover the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines through its oldest and most historic houses.
The oldest historical house in the Philippines is the Bahay na Bato, also known as the Aguirre House, located in the town of Taal in Batangas province. The house was built in 1750 and is a fine example of the Bahay na Bato architectural style that was popular during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. The Bahay na Bato is a two-story house made of stone and wood, with the ground floor made of stone and the upper floor made of wood.
The house is notable for its intricate carvings and details, and for its well-preserved interior, which includes antique furniture and artwork. The Bahay na Bato is now a museum that is open to the public, and is considered to be one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in the Philippines.
Luzon and Visayas Oldest House
- Bahay na Bato in Taal, Batangas. Built in 1750, this house is considered to be the oldest surviving house in the Philippines.
- Balay Negrense in Silay, Negros Occidental – Built in the 1890s, this ancestral house is a great example of a typical 19th-century Filipino house.
- Vigan Heritage Houses in Vigan, Ilocos Sur – The city of Vigan is home to many old houses that were built during the Spanish colonial era, including the Syquia Mansion and the Crisologo Museum.
- Casa Gorordo Museum in Cebu City – This house was built in the 1850s and was the residence of the first Filipino bishop of Cebu.
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan – This heritage resort is a collection of restored colonial houses from different parts of the Philippines, some of which date back to the 18th century.
- Mariano Ledesma Lacson Ancestral Home, also known as “The Ruins,” in Talisay City, Negros Occidental – This mansion was built in the early 1900s by sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson for his first wife, Maria Braga. It was burned down during World War II, but the ruins remain a popular tourist attraction.
- Laperal White House in Baguio City – Built in the 1920s, this mansion is known for its haunted history and is considered one of the most haunted houses in the Philippines.
- Hofileña Ancestral House in Jaro, Iloilo City – Built in the early 1900s, this house is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of a Filipino heritage house.
- Casa Real Shrine in Pagbilao, Quezon – Built in the 1800s, this house was once the seat of the provincial government of Tayabas (now Quezon).
- Jose Rizal House in Calamba, Laguna – This house is where the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal, was born in 1861.
Mindanao Historical Houses
- Aga Khan Museum and Cultural Center in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The center is a showcase of Maranao culture and features traditional Maranao. It includes houses, a mosque, and a museum that houses important artifacts of the Maranao people.
- Balangay Shrine Museum in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. The museum houses a replica of the ancient Balangay boat, which was discovered in Butuan. Also believed to be the oldest known wooden watercraft in Southeast Asia.
- Magsaysay House in Davao del Sur. This house was the ancestral home of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. It has been converted into a museum that showcases his life and legacy.
- Badjao Village in Samal Island, Davao del Norte. This is a recreated village that showcases the traditional lifestyle of the Badjao people, who are known as sea gypsies and are indigenous to Mindanao.
- The T’boli Tribal House in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. This house is a replica of a traditional T’boli dwelling and showcases the culture and traditions of the T’boli people.
More Historical Houses
- Davao Museum in Davao City. The museum features exhibits that showcase the history, culture and natural resources of the Davao region. It is housed in a heritage building that was built in the early 1900s.
- Timoga Spring Swimming Pool in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. This swimming pool is located in a heritage building that was built during the American colonial period. Then considered to be one of the oldest swimming pools in the Philippines.
- Royal House of Sulu in Jolo, Sulu. This house was the residence of the Sultan of Sulu and is considered to be one of the oldest and most historic landmarks in the province.
- San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City. The cathedral is the oldest church in Davao City and is considered to be an important religious and cultural landmark.
- Tamayong Prayer Mountain in Calinan, Davao City. This prayer mountain is a religious and cultural landmark that features traditional tribal houses. It showcases the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Davao region.
These are just a few examples of the many historic houses and landmarks in Mindanao that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Cebu Historical Houses
- The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House – This house is one of the oldest existing houses in the Philippines. According to many and believed to have been built in the 17th century. It is now a museum that showcases the lifestyle and traditions of Cebuano families during the Spanish colonial period.
- Casa Gorordo Museum – This house was built in the mid-19th century and was the residence of the Gorordo family. Prominent Cebuano family during the Spanish colonial period. It is now a museum that showcases the history and culture of Cebu.
- Jesuit House of 1730 – This house was built by the Jesuits in 1730. Used as a residence and school for their priests. It is now a museum that showcases the history of the Jesuits in Cebu and the Philippines.
- 1730 Casa Rey Juan Carlos – This house was built in the early 18th century. This house was the residence of the Spanish Royal Treasurer in Cebu. It is now a museum that showcases the Spanish colonial lifestyle and architecture.
- Carcar Museum and Rotunda – This museum is housed in a heritage building that was built in 1914. This museum showcases the culture and history of the town of Carcar in southern Cebu.
Let’s Protect our Cultural Heritage
As we conclude our journey through the historical and oldest houses of the Philippines. We are left with a greater appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of this country. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who have inhabited them throughout the centuries. From grand mansions built during the Spanish colonial period to traditional houses of indigenous peoples. We are glad that until now we saw these still stood for centuries. These structures tell the tale of a diverse and vibrant nation.
We hope that this tour of the historical and oldest houses of the Philippines has inspired you. Hope we will meet you on the road to exploring the cultural heritage of our country. By visiting these houses and museums, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and traditions.
As we leave you with these thoughts, we encourage you to embark on your own journey. Discovery through the historical and oldest houses of the Philippines. There is much to learn and explore in this beautiful and culturally rich country.