Casa Hidalgo, Colonial residence in Bagac, Philippines
Casa Hidalgo is a colonial-era residence that combines a stone ground floor with upper levels made from hardwood and features ionic columns across its exterior. The structure reflects the architectural methods and materials typical of Spanish colonial buildings in the Philippines.
The structure was built in 1867 in Manila and originally served as a private residence for a prominent figure in Philippine society. It was transported to its current location in Bagac in the early 2000s as part of a preservation initiative.
The house carries the name of a prominent Filipino art educator and collector whose legacy shaped how the rooms were designed and preserved. Visitors can sense this artistic connection in the careful details of the interior and the thoughtful restoration of the structure.
The building stands on a shared site with other historic structures, allowing visitors to explore several periods of Philippine architecture in one location. Budget enough time to examine both the exterior and interior spaces, as well as appreciate the craftsmanship visible throughout.
The restoration of this structure required experts to work without original architectural plans, instead relying on careful study of the remaining elements to guide their work. This approach transformed the project into a testament to conservation efforts that overcome the challenge of missing documentation.
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