Casa Real de Iloilo Old Provincial Capitol
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Casa Real de Iloilo Old Provincial Capitol

4.3
·170 reviews·Iloilo City, Philippines

A 1901 former provincial capitol, this landmark showcases Filipino Bahay Na Bato style with a Romanesque colonnade.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Casa Real de Iloilo Old Provincial Capitol

Casa Real de Iloilo Old Provincial Capitol

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1901 former provincial capitol, this landmark showcases Filipino Bahay Na Bato style with a Romanesque colonnade.

4.3
(170 reviews)

"The architecture is so exquisite. It is really a site to see near the city proper."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photogenic Spot

The Romanesque colonnade and Bahay Na Bato style make it a great spot for photos. :camerawithflash:

📍 Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Museo de Iloilo and other public offices nearby. :world_map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romanesque Colonnade

Romanesque Colonnade

Front facade

Admire the photogenic Romanesque style colonnade, a striking architectural feature of this historical building.

Filipino Bahay Na Bato Style

Filipino Bahay Na Bato Style

Exterior and ground floor

Experience the unique blend of traditional Filipino architecture with Spanish influences in this well-preserved structure.

Historic Government Seat

Historic Government Seat

Ground floor

Explore the accessible ground floor of the former provincial capitol, imagining its past as the center of Iloilo's governance.

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Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse into History

This former seat of government, built in 1901, offers a peek into Iloilo's past. While renovations may be ongoing, the ground floor is accessible, showcasing its Filipino Bahay Na Bato style and Romanesque colonnade. It's a key landmark near other historical sites.

Getting There & Access

Located near the city proper, Casa Real is easily reachable by jeepney. While the exterior and ground floor are open to the public, access to the upper floors is restricted. Plan your visit to coincide with nearby attractions like the Museo de Iloilo.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
January (Dinagyang)
Why
Festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Iloilo mainland recos

📸 Photogenic Spot

The Romanesque colonnade and Bahay Na Bato style make it a great spot for photos. :camerawithflash:

📍 Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Museo de Iloilo and other public offices nearby. :world_map:

reddit.com

Non Generic Venues

reddit.com

What to do in iloilo?

🚗 Easy Access

Accessible by jeepney from the city proper. :bus:

🚶 Ground Floor Access

Public access is limited to the ground floor; upper floors are restricted. :information_source:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photogenic Spot

The Romanesque colonnade and Bahay Na Bato style make it a great spot for photos. :camerawithflash:

📍 Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Museo de Iloilo and other public offices nearby. :world_map:

🚗 Easy Access

Accessible by jeepney from the city proper. :bus:

🚶 Ground Floor Access

Public access is limited to the ground floor; upper floors are restricted. :information_source:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(170 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Casa Real de Iloilo for its exquisite architecture, particularly the Romanesque colonnade and Filipino Bahay Na Bato style. It's recognized as a beautiful historical landmark and a former seat of government, offering a glimpse into Iloilo's past. While renovations may be ongoing and upper floors are restricted, the accessible ground floor is considered a lovely site to see.

"Casa Real a classic Spanish building has now turned into a government office. The interior is also quite stunning. There are still renovations being done inside."

Tez Velasquez

"The Casa Real de Iloilo was the seat of the provincial government of Iloilo. Now it's a quasi government office that still house some administration. The public are allowed to visit the ground floor, but not upstairs to the 1st floor (2nd floor in local vernacular). The building is a nice example Filipino Bahay Na Bato style and has a photogenic Romanesque style colonnade at the front. A lovely landmark building."

Chung H

"Refurbished remains of the provincial seat of power of Iloilo and is now a convention destination anf further plans to redevelop the area as a government center for the povince of Iloilo. Also the 2nd judging area for the Dinagyang Festivities held during the 4th Sunday of January."

Chester Ilustre

What People Like

Exquisite architecture
Historical significance
Photogenic facade

What People Dislike

Restricted upper floor access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Casa Real de Iloilo is conveniently located near the city proper and is easily accessible by jeepney. Many routes pass by or near the building, making it a straightforward destination for visitors exploring Iloilo City. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is limited, but given its proximity to public offices and the city center, street parking or nearby commercial parking areas might be available. It's best to check locally upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, Casa Real is situated near other key sites like the Museo de Iloilo and various public offices, making it walkable from these locations if you're exploring the city center on foot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, the ground floor of Casa Real de Iloilo is open to the public without an admission fee, allowing visitors to appreciate its architecture and historical significance. Reddit

As it houses quasi-government offices, typical government office hours likely apply. It's advisable to visit during weekday business hours for the best access to the public areas. Reddit

Access to the upper floors (1st floor or 2nd floor in local terms) is typically restricted as these areas are used for administrative purposes. Public access is usually limited to the ground floor. Reddit

Yes, Casa Real is also known to function as a convention and event facility, suggesting it can be booked for various functions. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Casa Real de Iloilo is a beautiful example of the Filipino Bahay Na Bato style, featuring a photogenic Romanesque style colonnade at the front. It reflects a blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous architectural influences. Reddit

Visitors can explore the ground floor, which showcases the building's historical architecture. While renovations may occur, the interior is noted as quite stunning. Reddit

Absolutely. Casa Real de Iloilo was the former seat of the provincial government, established in 1901, making it a significant historical landmark in Iloilo. Reddit

Specific guided tours are not widely advertised. However, exploring the accessible ground floor and appreciating the architecture provides a self-guided historical experience. Reddit

During the Dinagyang Festival, held on the fourth Sunday of January, Casa Real de Iloilo serves as the second judging area, adding to the festive atmosphere and its role in local celebrations. Reddit

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Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Casa Real de Iloilo offers a gentle introduction to history for families. While upper floors are restricted, the ground floor provides enough visual interest with its unique architecture to engage children. It's a good spot for a brief educational stop, especially when combined with nearby attractions like the Museo de Iloilo. The open space around the building can also be a place for kids to stretch their legs. Reddit

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, Casa Real is a must-visit. It's a tangible link to Iloilo's past as the former provincial capitol. Appreciating the Filipino Bahay Na Bato style and the Romanesque colonnade offers insights into colonial-era architecture and governance. The building's continued use for administrative and event purposes adds a layer of understanding to its enduring significance. Reddit

📸 Photography Lovers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

Casa Real de Iloilo stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture in the Philippines. Built in 1901, it embodies the Filipino Bahay Na Bato style, a vernacular adaptation of Spanish colonial architecture. This style is characterized by its sturdy construction, often with stone or concrete lower levels and wooden upper levels, designed to withstand tropical climates. The building's prominent Romanesque style colonnade at the front adds a touch of grandeur and classical influence, making it a visually striking landmark.

The structure served as the seat of the provincial government of Iloilo, a crucial administrative hub during its time. While it now houses quasi-government offices and functions as an event facility, its historical role is palpable. Visitors can appreciate the blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that defined public buildings of that era. The ongoing renovations suggest a commitment to preserving this important piece of Iloilo's heritage for future generations. Reddit

Historical Context and Modern Use

Erected in 1901, the Casa Real de Iloilo was the epicenter of provincial governance for many years. Its transition from a purely governmental building to a multi-functional space reflects the evolving needs of the city. Today, it continues to serve administrative functions, albeit in a reduced capacity, and has been repurposed as a convention destination and event facility. This dual role allows the building to remain a vibrant part of the community while honoring its past.

Its proximity to other significant sites like the Museo de Iloilo and various public offices makes it a convenient stop for those interested in Iloilo's history and culture. The building's significance is further amplified during the annual Dinagyang Festival, where it transforms into one of the judging areas, integrating historical architecture with contemporary cultural celebrations. This demonstrates how the Casa Real remains relevant and actively participates in the life of Iloilo. Reddit

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