1930 Jesuit House Cebu: A Visit to a Historical Ancestral House

Cebu, Philippines has a very rich culture and treasures of iconic historical heritages. Numerous museums and ancestral houses are built to commemorate the rich history of Cebu. My first ever museum hopping last year was a memorable experience as I visited 6 museums and historical places in Cebu for the first, and the 1930 Jesuit House in Cebu was definitely one of the highlights.

Last year, my batch mates in college took an adventure to have a museum tour in Cebu. This activity was headed by our Professor and was intended to enhance our understanding and connection to Cebu’s history. The 1930 Jesuit House , an ancestral house that is believed to be one of the oldest museums in Cebu is located in district of Parian.

When we arrived at the place, we were shocked and confused because we were welcomed by a warehouse full of metals and logs but when you are planning to visit the museum don’t be fooled by the mess you’ll encounter as you get in because a hidden gem is located in the area. The house is owned by a Chinese – Filipino business man named Jaime Sy, the businessman mainly decided to turn the old house into a warehouse for business but as soon as he discovered the history the place holds, his decision shifts to turning it into a museum, a heritage house.

Our tour in the museum begins in the displayed timeline of how Cebu probably looks in the year 1700’s. It features different old figures of cars, telephones and even pictures of old train rails in Cebu. Miniatures of historical figures are also displayed which representing infrastructure designs during 1700’s. There are pieces of coins and ceramics that are believed to be existed way back Ming Dynasty.

The museum is divided into 2 parts which are connected by a bridge. The first section which is the House A displays a historical bedroom and different memorabilia while the second section which is the House B features a living room, dry kitchen and a dining area. All the vintage furniture in different sections of the house was mainly protected and preserve as it holds great memories and significant histories. The house is believed to be occupied by Jesuits in 1700’s, a reason why it named as Jesuit House. The museum also showcased old paintings and religious figures.

The 1930 Jesuit House is undoubtedly one of the City’s historical gem that holds not only a beauty of an old ancestral house but with its historical substance. My previous visit will definitely will not be my last. It’s a place where I’ll go back as it reminds me of the richness of culture and history of my home city, Cebu.