Casa Mariquit

Top choice in Iloilo


A massive banyan tree looms atmospherically over the entrance to this grand home built in 1803 by Philippines VP Fernando Lopez (Mariquit was his wife's nickname). Photos of meetings with Emperor Hirohito, Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo Franco, Lyndon Johnson and others are a fascinating step back in time. You can turn up without prior notice, however you might need to shout to get a caretaker's attention.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Iloilo attractions

1. Jaro Belfry

0.19 MILES

A lonely old figure standing high and handsome on the edge of Jaro's Belfry Plaza.

4. Nelly's Garden

0.71 MILES

Iloilo's most famous historic home resembles the White House. You'll need to give three days' notice of your visit.

5. Iloilo Esplanade

1.69 MILES

This riverside walkway is a credit to the city, which had to move mountains to build it. It's 1.3km long, made of brick paving stones, and for pedestrians…

6. Museo Iloilo

1.84 MILES

Offers a worthwhile display on the indigenous Ati (Negrito) people and a collection of old pinya (pineapple fibre) weavings, for which the area is famous…

8. St Anne's Church

2.19 MILES

This historic neo-Gothic church is interestingly sometimes referred to as 'the feminist church' because there are only sculptures of female saints on…