Casa Gorordo Museum | Cebu City

Information

Landmark: Casa Gorordo Museum
City: Cebu City
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Casa Gorordo Museum, Cebu City, Philippines, Asia

Casa Gorordo Museum is a historic residence and lifestyle museum located in the Parian district of Cebu City. It provides a detailed look into the domestic life of the Filipino-Spanish elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visual Characteristics

The house is a classic example of bahay na bato architecture, featuring a lower level of coral stone and an upper level made of fine hardwoods. It is topped with a massive terracotta tile roof. The interior is characterized by wide-planked wooden floors, high ceilings with decorative latticework (ventanillas), and an extensive collection of period furniture, religious art, and personal memorabilia. The grounds include a well-curated garden and an open-air courtyard.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: 35 Eduardo Aboitiz St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

Access: Located in the quiet Parian district, just a short walk from other historic landmarks.

Transport: Accessible via jeepneys passing through Colon Street or Mabini Street. Taxis and ride-sharing services provide direct access to the entrance.

Entry: Admission requires an entrance fee, which typically includes a guided tour and a multimedia presentation.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Built in the 1850s, the house was originally owned by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales and later purchased by Juan Isidro de Gorordo, a Spanish merchant. It served as the residence of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo. The property was acquired by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in 1980, which restored and converted it into a museum.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided Tours: The museum provides structured tours explaining the significance of the architecture and the artifacts.

Museum Collections: Features authentic Spanish-era furniture, traditional clothing (ternos), and kitchen utensils.

Cultural Programs: The museum frequently hosts local art exhibits, traditional festivals, and lectures on Cebuano heritage.

Museum Cafe: There is an on-site cafe serving local delicacies and refreshments in a garden setting.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a gift shop, public restrooms, and a small library. The upper floor is accessible via a wide wooden staircase; the ground floor and gardens are flat and paved. 5G cellular coverage is excellent.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The best time to visit is during the morning for a more personalized tour experience before the afternoon school groups or tourists arrive.

Facts & Legends

The house is one of the few remaining original structures in the Parian district that survived the bombings of World War II. It is said that the spirit of Bishop Gorordo still looks over the house, though it is regarded more as a guardian presence than a malevolent one.