Villa Peñafrancia, Historic house in Paco District, Manila, Philippines
Villa Peñafrancia is a historic house in Paco District in Manila that combines masonry materials on its lower level with wooden elements and capiz-shell windows on the upper floor. The building preserves these material contrasts, which characterize the colonial building style of the period.
The house was built in 1861 during the Spanish Colonial period and belonged to Jose P. Laurel, who served as President of the Second Philippine Republic. Its construction occurred during an era when Manila was a growing center under Spanish rule.
The house displays traditional Filipino architectural features such as ventanillas beneath the upper windows and decorative floral patterns in the vented eave ceilings. These design choices show how residents adapted their homes to manage the region's tropical environment through local building methods.
The building is registered as a historic landmark and carries a commemorative plaque from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Visitors should know that it is a protected site that represents an important part of Manila's heritage.
The house withstood three severe earthquakes in July 1880 that caused extensive damage to many other buildings throughout Manila. This resilience is noteworthy since many contemporary structures in the city suffered significant damage.
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