Yap-San Diego Ancestral House | Cebu City

Information

Landmark: Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
City: Cebu City
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, Cebu City, Philippines, Asia

The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is a historic residence located in the Parian district of Cebu City. Built in the late 17th century, it is considered one of the oldest residential houses in the Philippines.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a prime example of bahay na bato (house of stone) architecture, featuring a lower level made of coral stone and an upper level constructed from indigenous hardwoods like molave and binunga. It is topped with a heavy, multi-layered terracotta tiled roof. The interior is filled with antique religious icons, hand-carved wooden furniture, and Spanish-era household artifacts. A small courtyard with a wishing well and lush tropical plants is located at the back.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: 155 Mabini St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

Access: Situated directly across from the Heritage of Cebu Monument.

Transport: Accessible via jeepneys labeled "Parian" or "Colon." Taxis and ride-sharing services are pervasively available in the downtown area.

Entry: Admission requires a small entrance fee.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed between 1675 and 1700, the house originally belonged to Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido, a Chinese-Filipino family. It has remained in the possession of the same family for over ten generations, currently curated by Val Sandiego. The building survived centuries of typhoons and the heavy bombing of Cebu during World War II, largely due to its massive coral stone walls and resilient hardwood frame.

Key Highlights & Activities

Heritage Tour: Visitors can explore the living quarters, kitchen, and dining areas to see how elite families lived during the Spanish colonial period.

Antique Collection: The house functions as a museum for religious art, century-old glassware, and traditional kitchenware (banggerahan).

Photography: The house is a popular site for historical-themed photography, featuring the original weathered wood and stone textures.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The house is a two-story structure with narrow wooden stairs. Public restrooms are available for guests. The ground floor remains cool due to the thick stone walls. 5G cellular coverage is excellent.

Best Time to Visit

The house is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00. The best time to visit is during the morning to avoid the larger tour groups that typically arrive in the afternoon.

Facts & Legends

Local accounts suggest that the house is built using "egg whites" as an adhesive for the coral stones, a common construction legend for colonial-era buildings in the Philippines. It is also rumored to be inhabited by spirits of the Yap-Sandiego ancestors, though the current owners maintain a welcoming, non-ominous atmosphere.