Iloilo is known for its Dinagyang Festival, La Paz Batchoy, colonial churches and old houses. And when we speak of this city’s old houses, they are are not just your typical ancestral houses or bahay na bato for this city is home to many mansions built by sugar barons way back in pre-war era. Some are still standing with some old people or caretakers residing while some are now used as schools.
If you are traveling or visiting the City of Love, bring your camera and wear your most comfortable shoes and discover these old houses and mansions in Iloilo. There are many of them in the city and what I have here are just a few of them. I am featuring those famous old houses and mansions but it is easy to spot many old abodes as you explore Iloilo.
Where to find them
If you don’t know where to start, just go to the main plazas in the city – Jaro, Molo and Libertad. In accordance to the Spanish status quo, those living close to the plaza are the most affluent ones. So aside from taking shots or visiting old churches, you can also check out these ancestral and heritage houses of Iloilo.
Those located around Jaro Plaza are the grandest and there are plenty of them. Still, you can see many old houses in Molo and even Arevalo. For this post, majority of these houses are located around the district of Jaro.
The Ledesma Mansion or "Eagle House"
This old house is located in Ortiz Street close to Plaza Libertad. If you are heading to Jordan, Guimaras Island, this should be your landmark to the wharf where you will be taking a boat ride to the island.
Old House close to the Hall of Justice
I don’t know who owns this house or what it is called but this house catches your attention as you pass by the center of the city. This well-preserved old house is located close to many government offices like the Provincial Capitol, Tourism Office, Atrium Mall, Hall of Justice and beside Castle Hotel.
Sanson-Montinola House or the "Antillan House"
Located in Graciano Lopez-Jeana St., Jaro beside Collegio de San Jose. It was in this house that the Araneta clan gathered during their family reunion years ago. The Antillan House was built by Don Emong Montinola.
The famous Nelly's Garden
I consider this as the queen of all old houses in Iloilo. Named after the daughter of its original owners ( Don Vicente Lopez y Villanueva and Donya Elena Hofilena y Javelona) in 1928. The structure is patterned after Tara, the estate house of the novel, ” Gone With the Wind”.
Montinola House
I’m not sure of it’s name, kindly correct me. This house is located close to Jaro Plaza beside a pet shop store.
The Grand Ledesma Mansion ( Jaro)
Owned by Rosario Lopez Javelona and Don Luis Ledesma. I love this house but it was hard to find a perfect angle since in its front gate is a bibingka stand and there are some flyers of a review center hanging on its terraces. This mansion is located across Jaro Plaza.
Lopez-Vito House
Located right across Jaro PLaza, beside the Ledesma Mansion. Its windows are opened during the annual Jaro fiesta.
Locsin House ( beside Jaro Cathedral)
The Locsin House faces the exit of the Jaro Cathedral and right next to the Vito-Lopez House. I don’t have any information about this house. I would appreciate it if someone can enlighten me..:-)
Casa Mariquit
The house built for Maria Javellana-Lopez or Mariquit, wife of former vice-president Fernando Lopez Sr. This house also served as a bank during its time.
Located in Benedicto St. in Jaro beside Tibiao Bakery approaching Tabuc Suba Bridge. The antique store, “Tienda Antigua” is no longer housed inside but I still prefer to call it as the “Tienda Antigua” House.
Villa Lizares
When I decided to study in Iloilo, my dad asked me to look for Villa Lizares. When he was a yong boy in Negros, he heard stories about the haunted mansion of the Lizares in Iloilo. But this mansion is not just famous for its horror stories but for its design and architecture. Built in 1937 by Don Emiliano Lizares, this mansion is the perfect competition of Nelly’s Garden. Located in Tabuc Suba, this is now a school, Angelicum School of Iloilo. During Christmas season, Villa Lizares holds a festival of lights. Click here for the article.
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