Miniature replica of a Spanish galleon
1 / 10

1730 Jesuit House Museum

4.5
·180 reviews·Cebu City, Philippines

Explore one of the Philippines' oldest houses, a former Jesuit mission offering a glimpse into 18th-century Cebuano life and history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Miniature replica of a Spanish galleon

1730 Jesuit House Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore one of the Philippines' oldest houses, a former Jesuit mission offering a glimpse into 18th-century Cebuano life and history. Reddit

4.5
(180 reviews)

"Essential guided tours bring the history of this 1700s house to life, revealing fascinating local origins. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Look for the Warehouse Entrance

Google Maps might lead you to a warehouse; the museum entrance is within.

Student Tour Guides

Guides are often tourism students, offering unique insights.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 1730 Jesuit House

The 1730 Jesuit House

Parian, Cebu City

Explore one of the oldest houses in the Philippines, a former Jesuit mission house with original 1700s infrastructure.

Reddit
Origin of 'Gi-atay'

Origin of 'Gi-atay'

Uncover the fascinating historical origin of the Cebuano curse word 'gi-atay' during your guided tour.

Reddit
Jesuit Mission History

Jesuit Mission History

Learn about the Jesuits' significant mission work in the Philippines within a dedicated room.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Entrance

The entrance to the 1730 Jesuit House Museum might seem unusual, as it's currently integrated with a hardware business. Don't be deterred by the warehouse appearance; the historical house is located within. Be prepared for a potentially warm and humid environment inside, as air-conditioning is limited.

Embrace the Guided Tour

A guided tour is highly recommended and often included with admission. Guides, often tourism students, offer invaluable insights into the house's history and artifacts, making the visit significantly more enriching than exploring alone. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Guides are readily available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

1730 Jesuit house/Museo de Parian - Cebu City

Look for the Warehouse Entrance

Google Maps might lead you to a warehouse; the museum entrance is within. Reddit

Student Tour Guides

Guides are often tourism students, offering unique insights. Reddit

reddit.com

Historical places or something na naay mga artifacts.

Bring Water

It can get hot and humid inside, so stay hydrated. Reddit

Combine with Yap-San Diego

Visit the nearby Yap-San Diego Ancestral House for a historical tour. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Look for the Warehouse Entrance

Google Maps might lead you to a warehouse; the museum entrance is within. Reddit

Student Tour Guides

Guides are often tourism students, offering unique insights. Reddit

Bring Water

It can get hot and humid inside, so stay hydrated. Reddit

Combine with Yap-San Diego

Visit the nearby Yap-San Diego Ancestral House for a historical tour. Reddit

No Parking Available

Take a taxi or Grab car; parking is limited. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(180 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the 1730 Jesuit House Museum to be a historically significant site, especially appreciating the guided tours that reveal fascinating details about Cebu's past. The unique entrance through a warehouse and the warm climate are noted drawbacks, but the historical value and the insights gained make it a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts. Reddit

"At first, we hesitated to go inside since we were greeted by what looked like a warehouse rather than a museum. It turns out the entrance is currently being used as storage by the owner of the Jesuit House.

We paid 50 pesos each (student rate) and were immediately accompanied by a tour guide. This was the very first museo I’ve visited that didn’t even ask if we wanted one—having a guide is simply part of the experience. I realized firsthand how essential they are in making the visit truly worthwhile, because I had always wanted to just tour around on my own as I can be awkward around them. But this changed my preference (well, only if I’m also with someone else haha).

Inside, you’ll be engrossed by the treasured pieces left behind by the house’s past owners. My highlight of the visit was finally learning the origin of the curse word “gi-atay,” a term I’d always known but never fully understood until this tour."

Princess Cabalhug

"2nd time to be here. This time on a guided tour. They also have a small airconditioned cafe where you can relax after the tour. Most of the infrastructure were still from the origininal 1700s house. The place was bought to be used as a warehouse but it was later discovered that the old house inside was from the 1700s making it one of the oldest house in the country. You can go back and read the posts after the tour if you want check on specific details. The place is not packed with antiques unlike the Yap ancestral house. The owner has a collection of ball pythons also!"

maurice jose alcantara

"Formerly used as Jesuit mission house. After paying the entrance fee. A guide, who was a student studying tourism proceeded to walk me through the museum in about 2 minutes, without really explaining anything. Clearly she was in a rush and I just said I would go at my own pace through the museum when she finished her tour.

Inside you'll find an entire floor dedicated to the history of Cebu and a room dedicated to Jesuits and their mission in Philippines. The upper floor is mostly collections of items belonging to the present owners, who own the building along with the metals business. Clearly the family were of Chinese origin judging from the items. I thought the displays were okay and the information a bit too dense, especially when you have to read it in hot and humid conditions."

Chung H

What People Like

Invaluable guided tours
Preserved 1700s infrastructure
Fascinating historical insights

What People Dislike

Unusual warehouse entrance
Warm and humid interior

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Parian, Cebu City. It's best to take a taxi or a Grab car as parking is very limited. Reddit Be aware that Google Maps might direct you to the entrance of a warehouse, as the museum is situated within the Ho Tong Hardware company premises. Reddit

While direct public transport routes might be complex, you can likely reach the general Parian area via jeepney or bus and then take a short taxi or tricycle ride to the museum. It's advisable to confirm local routes with your accommodation. Reddit

Look for the Ho Tong Hardware company. The entrance to the 1730 Jesuit House Museum is located within this business. Reddit

The museum is in the Parian district, known for its historical significance. It's also close to other ancestral houses like the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, making it easy to navigate the area. Reddit

Yes, you should be able to easily hail a taxi or book a Grab car from the vicinity of the museum, especially since it's located within a commercial area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is typically around 50 pesos for regular visitors and there might be a student rate available. Reddit It's always a good idea to check for any updated pricing upon arrival. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for the 1730 Jesuit House Museum. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during regular business hours on weekdays and Saturdays. It's recommended to confirm the exact hours before your visit, especially if you plan to go on a Sunday or holiday. Reddit

Yes, a guided tour is often an integral part of the experience and is usually included with your admission fee. Reddit The guides are typically tourism students who provide valuable historical context. Reddit

While you can choose to go at your own pace after the initial guided tour, it's highly recommended to take advantage of the guide's knowledge to fully appreciate the historical significance of the house and its artifacts. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll see preserved infrastructure from the 1700s, learn about the Jesuits' mission in the Philippines, and discover the origin of the Cebuano word 'gi-atay'. Reddit The upper floor showcases collections from the current owners' family. Reddit

Air-conditioning is limited, primarily found in a small cafe area. The main museum spaces can be quite warm and humid, especially during hotter months. Reddit

The house itself, with its original 1700s structure, is a significant artifact. You'll also find items related to the Jesuit mission and the history of the families who owned the house. Reddit

While children can visit, the historical information might be dense for younger ones. The guided tour format can help keep them engaged, but it's best suited for those with an interest in history. Reddit

A guided tour usually takes about 2 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the guide and your pace. You can spend additional time exploring specific exhibits or revisiting areas. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small, air-conditioned cafe where you can relax after your tour. Reddit It's a good spot to cool down and perhaps grab a refreshment. Reddit

The cafe typically offers refreshments and light snacks. Specific menu details may vary, but it's a convenient place to take a break. Reddit

The museum is located in a commercial area of Cebu City, so you'll find various local eateries and restaurants within a short walking distance or a quick ride away. Reddit

It's generally not recommended to bring outside food and drinks into historical sites like museums to preserve the artifacts and maintain the ambiance. The on-site cafe is available for refreshments. Reddit

Exploring the Parian district will lead you to many local eateries offering Filipino cuisine. Ask your guide for recommendations on authentic Cebuano dishes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits. Reddit

The preserved architecture of the 1700s house, the historical artifacts, and the displays related to the Jesuit mission offer great photographic opportunities. Reddit

Morning visits might offer softer lighting. However, the interior lighting conditions will also play a role, so be prepared to adjust your camera settings accordingly. Reddit

Photography of the current owners' collections is usually permitted, but it's courteous to be mindful of other visitors and the general rules of the museum. Reddit

Drone photography is highly unlikely to be permitted within the museum premises or the surrounding commercial area due to safety and privacy regulations. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 1730 Jesuit House Museum offers a unique glimpse into Cebu's past, but it might be more engaging for families with older children or teenagers who have a keen interest in history. The guided tours, while informative, can be quite dense with historical facts, which might be challenging for very young children to follow. Reddit Consider preparing your children beforehand by sharing some basic information about historical houses and the role of Jesuits in the Philippines to pique their interest. Reddit

While the museum itself might not have dedicated play areas, the experience of exploring an old house and learning about its stories can be captivating. The unique origin of the word 'gi-atay' might also be a fun fact for kids to remember. Reddit Remember to bring plenty of water, as the climate inside can be warm, and plan for a shorter visit if needed to keep younger ones comfortable. Combining the visit with the nearby Yap-San Diego Ancestral House can create a more comprehensive historical outing for the family. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and culture, the 1730 Jesuit House Museum is a must-visit. This remarkably preserved 18th-century house offers an authentic look into colonial-era life and the significant role of the Jesuits in the Philippines. The fact that much of the original infrastructure remains intact provides a rare opportunity to step back in time. Reddit

The guided tours are particularly valuable for history enthusiasts, as they delve into the specific historical context, the Jesuit mission, and even the etymology of local terms like 'gi-atay'. Reddit The museum's location in the historic Parian district also allows for easy exploration of other heritage sites, such as the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, creating a rich cultural immersion experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the 1730 Jesuit House

The 1730 Jesuit House is a significant historical landmark in Cebu, Philippines, dating back to the 18th century. Originally serving as a Jesuit mission house, it played a crucial role in the religious and social activities of the time. The house has remarkably retained much of its original infrastructure from the 1700s, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. Its discovery and preservation are a testament to the rich history embedded within Cebu City. Reddit

Interestingly, the house was once slated to be used as a warehouse by the Ho Tong Hardware company. However, during renovations or preparations for its new use, the historical value of the old house within was recognized. This led to its transformation into a museum, safeguarding a piece of Philippine heritage. The current owners, who also run the hardware business, have maintained the house and its contents, allowing the public to experience its historical ambiance. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the essential role of the guided tour in understanding the house's significance. Guides, frequently tourism students, share stories about the Jesuits' mission in the Philippines and the lives of the families who resided there. One particularly memorable aspect for visitors is learning the origin of the Cebuano curse word, 'gi-atay', a detail that adds a unique cultural layer to the visit. Reddit

Navigating the Entrance and On-Site Experience

Arriving at the 1730 Jesuit House Museum can be a bit surprising for first-time visitors. The entrance is currently integrated with a warehouse belonging to Ho Tong Hardware. This unconventional setup means you might initially be greeted by what appears to be a commercial storage area rather than a traditional museum entrance. Reddit It's important to look for the designated museum entrance within this commercial space to begin your historical journey. Reddit

Once inside, the experience is greatly enhanced by the guided tours. These tours are often led by enthusiastic tourism students who provide detailed explanations of the house's history, its former inhabitants, and the significance of the artifacts on display. While the tour itself might be brief, the information shared is crucial for appreciating the nuances of the house. Reddit Be prepared for the climate; the museum can be hot and humid, as air-conditioning is limited to a small cafe area. Bringing water is highly recommended to stay comfortable during your exploration. Reddit

The museum's collection is not as vast as some other ancestral houses, focusing more on the historical context and the stories behind the objects. Visitors can revisit exhibits after the tour to absorb more details. The presence of the owner's collection, including ball pythons, adds an unexpected element to the visit. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2