🐴One of the most memorable stops during our Calesa tour in Vigan was the Syquia Mansion Museum, a grand ancestral house rich in Philippine history.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Vigan is the Syquia Mansion, once the home of President Elpidio Quirino—the 6th president of the Philippines. Though the house is officially owned by his wife, Doña Alicia Syquia, it now serves as a museum of personal artifacts, family history, and Filipino-Spanish architecture.
📍 Location: Corner of Quirino Boulevard & Calle Zandueta, Vigan City
🕰️ Status: Temporarily closed as of February 2025. The mansion is now Open. Closed every Tuesday.
💰 Entrance Fee: Free (donations appreciated). Regular Ticket is Php100.00 and Php80.00 for senior citizens and students.
🖼️ Highlights of the Museum
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🚪 Ground Floor:
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Greeted by an old presidential carriage
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A life-sized portrait of President Quirino
Antique furniture and traditional wood carvings
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| Gift from the Emperor of China to the former President (with China's authentication sea) |
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🪜 Second Floor:
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Grand living room with a gold vase—a gift from the Emperor of China, complete with an imperial seal
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Replica of the Spoliarium by Juan Luna
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Portraits of family members, including public figure Cory Quirino
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An old bedroom and wooden chest box with heirloom value
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| A bell used to call the housemaid (Right) |
🍽️ Dining Room:
Overlooking the streets of Vigan, it reflects the grandeur of Filipino-Spanish living during the era
- 🕵️ Hidden Details:
- Peeping holes used to inspect guests before entry
A "maid's hallway" on the side—this is where I finally understood the term "alipin sa gigilid" (side servant), explained by the incredibly knowledgeable caretaker
💬 My Takeaway
Though I didn’t get to stay long, the Syquia Mansion left a lasting impression. The structure, history, and little quirks (like the bell used to summon maids) made me feel like I stepped back in time. I honestly would’ve loved to live in a house like that—minus the eerie, old-house vibes!
Sadly, as of February 15, 2025, the mansion is temporarily closed. But since it’s not marked as permanent, I’m hopeful it will reopen soon. It's an incredible learning resource for students and history lovers alike.
Good news, the mansion is now open. You can check their website here.
🧭 How to Get There
🚶♀️ Easy to walk from Calle Crisologo—just head toward Gordion Inn or Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. The mansion is painted blue and cream and sits on a corner lot.
💡 Travel Tips
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💰 Bring small bills for a donation to the caretaker
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📸 Photos allowed, but be respectful of the antique setup
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🧠 Ask questions! The caretaker has fascinating stories
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🕰️ Visit early if walking—Vigan gets hot midday
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🗺️ Ideal for history students or heritage tourists
❤️ Visiting the Syquia Mansion is like stepping into a history book—only better. From the preserved interiors to the fascinating family traditions, this stop is a must-see in Vigan.
Whether you’re into politics, architecture, or Filipino heritage, this museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience that connects you deeply with the past.
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