Casa Gorordo

• Address: 35 Lopez Jaena Street, Parian, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM(Closed on Monday)
• Tickets: Adult ticket: 70 Philippine pesos
• Student/child ticket: 30 Philippine pesos

Introduction to Casa Gorordo

Casa Goroldo is a historical museum located in Cebu City. It was originally the residence of the Goroldo family, a wealthy family during the Spanish colonial period. Today, this ancient building showcases the lifestyle of the upper class Filipinos in the 19th century and introduces visitors to Cebu's rich historical and cultural heritage. The interior of the museum retains original furniture, artwork, and decorations, and visitors can learn about the daily life of Philippine society during the Spanish colonial period.

Why Visit Casa Gorordo Museum?

Casa Gorordo Museum is one of Cebu’s most iconic heritage sites, showcasing the architectural and cultural legacy of the Spanish colonial era. Once the residence of the Gorordo family, the museum now houses a fascinating collection of antiques, religious artifacts, and period furniture. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Cebuano culture and history.

Must-see highlights:

Traditional Furniture and Decoration: Learn about the lifestyle of the upper class Philippines during the Spanish colonial period in the 19th century and appreciate the exquisite furniture and decorations of the Goroldo family.

  exquisite furniture and decorations of the Goroldo family

Spanish-style architecture: This house combines Spanish, Filipino traditions and Chinese elements and is a typical colonial architecture. You can observe the structure and decoration of the house, especially the carvings and wood carvings on the exterior.

Family photos and relics: The house displays photos, relics and historical materials of the Goroldo family, helping visitors understand the social status and cultural background of the family at that time.

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History and background of Casa Gorordo

Architectural background and construction time

Built in 1863, Casa Goraldo is one of the most iconic Spanish colonial-era residences in Cebu. The house originally belonged to the Gorordo Family, specifically its patriarch, Don Mariano Gorordo. The Goroldo family was an important Hispanic family in Cebu. In the late 19th century, they were one of the local businessmen and social elites.

 Culture and architectural style

The house's architectural style reflects Spanish colonial heritage while incorporating influences from native Filipino and Chinese cultures. The building adopts Spanish colonial-style design, such as high ceilings, large windows, exquisite wood carvings, and an open courtyard layout. These elements not only display the Spanish architectural style, but also fit in with the tropical climate and traditional habits of the Philippines. In addition, the house is decorated with a large number of Chinese and local handicrafts, reflecting the blend of multiculturalism.

Status of the Goroldo family

The Goroldo family is one of the important members of Cebu's upper class. Their wealth comes from business activities and land. The family's wealth allowed them to build such a grand residence in a bustling area of ​​downtown Cebu. The house offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Filipino aristocracy during the Spanish colonial period, who often enjoyed spacious residences, fine furnishings, and elegant decorations.

 Modern changes

In the early 20th century, the influence of the Goroldo family waned, and the house changed over time. In the 1960s, the Goroldo family donated the house to the Cebu Church. Later, the Philippine government began to work on protecting this historical building and converted it into a museum in the 1980s to preserve this historical and cultural heritage.

 The establishment and purpose of the museum

In 1991, Casa Goraldo was officially opened as a museum, aiming to show the public the colonial history of the Philippines, the cultural heritage of Cebu, and the lifestyle of wealthy families during the Spanish period. The museum displays a large number of family relics, antique furniture, handicrafts and family photos, providing visitors with a profound historical and cultural experience.

Things to do in Casa Gorordo

1. Visit historical exhibits to see 19th-century Spanish colonial furniture, family photos, and daily necessities to learn about the lifestyle of the time.
2. Admire the architectural style and experience architectural design that combines Spanish, Filipino and Chinese elements.
3. Learn about the history of Cebu and learn about Cebu’s historical and cultural background during the Spanish colonial period through exhibits.
4. Take a guided tour and learn more about the museum's background as your guide explains the building's history and family stories.
5. Take photos in the beautiful historic buildings and courtyards to document this cultural trip.
6. Visit the museum grounds to take a walk in the tranquil courtyard and enjoy traditional Filipino landscaping.
7. Shop for souvenirs and shop for unique Filipino handicrafts and souvenirs in small shops.

How to get Casa Gorordo

Location: Goroldo House is located in the Parian District of Cebu City, close to downtown Cebu. You can get there by taxi, motorcycle or Grab (a taxi service in the Philippines).
Public transportation: From downtown Cebu, you can take the public minibus (jeepney), take route number 12L or 04L, and then walk for a few minutes.

Best time to visit:

Tuesday to Sunday: Since the museum is closed on Mondays, it is recommended to plan your visit from Tuesday to Sunday.
Best time to visit: It is recommended to go in the morning or afternoon to avoid the high temperature at noon. Since the museum is relatively small, you can usually visit the entire attraction in about an hour.

Surrounding attractions

• Fort San Pedro, Cebu: Not far from Goroldo House, it is a historical site worth visiting.
• Cebu Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Cebu, suitable for tourists interested in history.
• Churches and markets in downtown Cebu: There are many historic churches in downtown Cebu, such as San Pedro Church (San Pedro Church), as well as the lively market area. You can stop by after visiting the Goroldo House.

Visiting suggestions

1. Guided tour commentary: You can choose to rent a tour guide service when visiting to better understand the history and background of each exhibit. Although there are some signs in English inside the museum, a guided tour will give you a deeper understanding of the history of the Goroldo family and the Philippines.
2. Taking photos: The inside of the museum is suitable for taking photos, but please be careful not to take photos of certain exhibits where photography is prohibited. You can take photos in most places, especially old family photos and historical relics.