Jump to: About Casa Gorordo Museum | History | Location & How to Get There | Entrance Fee & Schedule | What to Expect | Nearby Attractions | Travel Tips
About Casa Gorordo Museum
Casa Gorordo Museum is a beautifully preserved Spanish-era house located in the Parian district of Cebu City. It showcases traditional Filipino-Spanish architecture and offers a glimpse into Cebu’s colonial past. Originally owned by the Gorordo family, it has been transformed into a cultural museum featuring furniture, artwork, and heirlooms.
History of Casa Gorordo
The house was built in the mid-19th century and became the residence of the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo. It represents the lifestyle of Filipino elites (ilustrados) during the Spanish colonial period. The museum is now managed by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and is recognized as a cultural treasure of Cebu.
At the main entrance, its historical background is written and says: "This house was built in the mid-19th century by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales and was bought by Juan Isidro de Gorordo, a Spanish merchant, in 1863. Four generations of the family lived in this house, including the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, 1910-1932.
The guest room features a four-post bed with a canopy, an old aparador (closet), an armario (pillow rack) and lavador with a porcelain basin. The guest room was rarely unoccupied as, like other Filipino families, the Gorordos regularly hosted friends and relatives. - courtesy of the museum.
The azotea of Casa Gorordo served many purposes. In the daytime, it was used for washing, drying, and ironing clothes. The cool breeze in the late afternoons and evenings made it an ideal place for relaxation, meriendas, and intimate gatherings for friends and family. The large martavan jars are both functional and decorative. They are constantly filled with water to cool the breeze that enters the windows. The whole terrace is shaded by two flowering vines: the yellow bells and the bridal bouquet, the latter being almost as old as the house. - Information courtesy of the museum.
Location and How to Get There
- Address: 35 Lopez Jaena St., Parian, Cebu City
- From SM or Ayala: Ride a jeepney or Grab/taxi to the Parian area
- Landmark: Near Heritage of Cebu Monument and Yap-Sandiego House
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
- Entrance Fee: ₱120 (adults), ₱100 (students/seniors)
- Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Note: Closed on Mondays and holidays
What to Expect Inside the Museum
- Antique furniture and heirlooms from the 1800s
- Filipino-Spanish architecture – coral stone, hardwood floors, capiz shell windows
- Exhibits on religious life, education, kitchen tools, and trade in old Cebu
- Peaceful courtyard and a charming garden café
- Interactive multimedia room and gift shop
Nearby Attractions
- Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House – A well-preserved bahay-na-bato next door
- Heritage of Cebu Monument – Sculptures depicting Cebu’s historical highlights
- Basilica del Santo Niño – Just a short ride or walk from Parian
- Colon Street – The oldest street in the Philippines
Travel Tips
- Best to visit in the morning to avoid crowds
- Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash is discouraged
- Wear comfortable clothing — the museum is partly non-air-conditioned
- Pair your visit with other heritage spots for a full Cebu history tour
Final Thoughts
Casa Gorordo Museum offers a peaceful and immersive experience into the lifestyle of old Cebu. With its well-preserved interiors and thoughtful exhibits, it’s a must-visit for culture and history enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring Cebu for the first time or returning, this heritage home is worth a stop. Want to explore more places like this? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
