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Casa Gorordo

Casa Gorordo
Casa Gorordo in Cebu City is a fine example of an elegant Filipino home from the mid 19th century. It incorporates some architectural designs which are intrinsic to this period such as the zaguan on the ground floor which was used as storage space and carriage parking, the sliding Capiz shell windows, the statement staircase which announces the social and economic standing of the homeowner, the kitchen window with an area for drying plates and utensils, and the intricately carved arches dividing the rooms. The house also has a long azotea (terrace) which not only served as an extended living room, it also providied a natural cooling system for the upper story allowing the breeze to circulate freely through the rooms. 

Zaguan (storage space)
Casa Gorordo was the home of four generations of Gorordos, one of whom was the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo. The house has a small chapel so the bishop could pray there during his visits with the family. 

John the Baptist baptizing Jesus
This painting is on the ceiling of the chapel. It's not a fresco nor a mural as you can see from the folds in the canvas. The painting is representative of the era along with well preserved pieces of furniture and objets d'art.

There is a small fee to enter Casa Gorordo which has been declared a national historical landmark. It is owned and managed by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation.
Casa Gorordo
35 Lopez Jaena
Cebu City
032 255 5645

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Images by Charie


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Location: Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

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