MOLO MANSION
The Yusay-Consing Mansion, or the Molo Mansion, is one of the city’s finest ancient homes located in Molo district, opposite of the district plaza and the St. Anne Parish Church (Molo Church). The Molo Mansion, built in the 1920s, features classic Philippine colonial architecture. The Mansion is a reminder of the glorious days of the Yusay-Consing clan. Its graceful arches, high ceilings, and its wood carvings show luxury and magnificence. This currently serves at the backdrop of art exhibits and photo shoots.
MOLO CHURCH
The St. Anne Parish Church, more commonly known as Molo Church, is one of Iloilo City’s prominent landmarks. It was built with coral rock and a tile roof, in 1831, under the supervision of Don Jose Manuel Locsin. In 1863, it was replaced by a temporary church by Fr. Jose Ma. Sichon until it was renovated in 1869 by Bishop Mariano Cuartero. On Aug. 4, 1886, our National Hero Jose P. Rizal visited this church to pray on his way to Manila from exile in Dapitan, referring to it as “la iglesia bonita.” The church was declared as a National Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1992. It is also called the Women’s Lib church because of the 16 life-size female saints’ statues lining the nave.
MUSEO DE ILOILO
Built in 1971, Museo de Iloilo is the home of not only Iloilo’s but Panay’s cultural and historical artifacts. Notable items are dated fossils, artifacts from sunken maritime vessels, stone age tools, pottery, tradeware from China, Annam and Siam, burial jars, coffins, gold ornaments, religious artifacts, a loom of the type which fomented the growth of the textile industry in Iloilo, and rare photographs and mementos from World War II. The museum hosts changing exhibits by local artists. The museum’s distinctive geometric shape was designed by Ilonggo architect Sergio Penasales.
ESPLANADE
The Iloilo Esplanade is a peaceful promenade that runs alongside the Iloilo River. It won the Best Landscape Architecture Award in 2018, in terms of providing the public open spaces where they can leisurely walk exercise, and enjoy the beauty of the environment, thus promoting a healthy and an active lifestyle for Ilonggos.
JARO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Known as Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles (Spanish: Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria), is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro. The Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the patron saint of Western Visayas canonized by Saint John Paul II found in Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral. All year round, devotees flock to the Marian image during its annual fiesta on Feb. 2 to ask for miracles and blessings.
CASA DE EMPERADOR
The statue is within the Casa de Emperador complex located at the Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld in Mandurriao district. Spanish artist Ginés Serrán-Pagán worked on the 8.8-meter statue of General Martin Delgado, the first Filipino governor of Iloilo province. Casa de Emperador houses the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), the first museum dedicated to contemporary and modern art in Visayas and Mindanao.
FORT SAN PEDRO
Fort San Pedro is located along San Pedro Drive in the domestic port area. The fort measuring 60 by 60 meters was built between 1603 and 1616. The walls – approximately 12 feet high from low-tide of the sea and 30-feet thick – were made of cut-outs of Guimaras rocks and coral stones from along the Panay Coast. Fort San Pedro represents the heritage of Ilonggos during the colonial period.
ICON (Iloilo Convention Center)
The Iloilo Convention Center, or the ICC, is located in the heart of Iloilo business district. It is strategically located between Richmond and Marriott Hotels and is nearby other commercial establishments. Designed by Architect William Coscolluela and associates, the structure was inspired by Iloilo’s Dinagyang and Paraw Festivals. ICC was a venue of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meetings in 2015.
CALLE REAL
The renowned Calle Real (Royal Street in Spanish) is a historic street located in the old downtown district of Iloilo City. Located at the center of Iloilo City’s bustling business district, the Eusebio Villanueva Building has witnessed 90 years of rich Ilonggo history – as the prestigious International Hotel in 1927, before falling into disrepair, and as a marvel of restoration in 2012, unveiled as a heritage site./PN
