Iloilo City is the provincial capital of Iloilo and may be found near the mouth of the river Irong-irong on the Iloilo Strait, which connects to the Sulu Sea. It is also located on the Iloilo Strait. It is the principal financial and commercial hub of the Western Visayas. Additionally, it serves as a port of call for several of the islands in the Visayan archipelago, notably the Guimares.
The history of Iloilo City is very fascinating, and there is evidence that it had commercial links with both China and India. It is reported that 10 Bornean merchants arrived in this area in the 13th century and bartered with a local chieftain for a huge tract of land near the mouth of the Irong-irong River in return for a golden hat. This transaction took place around this time. The Spanish colonised this area at the beginning of the 17th century and left behind a significant historical and cultural legacy in the shape of churches, houses, and forts that are well over a century old. Both the province and the city of Iloilo are now recognised as some of the most important cultural hubs in the Philippines.
Main Tourist Attractions of Iloilo City, Phillipines
Museo Iloilo
The renowned architect Sergio Penasales was responsible for the design of this museum. An incredible collection of the city’s cultural artefacts may be found at this museum. Fossils, ceramics, decorations, unusual and one-of-a-kind pictures, and relics from World War II are some of the things that may be found here. You may also examine contemporary artwork that was created by artists and artisans from the Ilongo culture. There is also a unique collection of cultural materials, such as portraits and souvenirs of religious figures, as well as silver vessels engraved with scenes from the Panayanon faith.
Molo Church
The Molo Church was built in 1831 and may be found around 3 km outside of the city proper. During World War II, the local population was had to evacuate, therefore the church was constructed as a safe haven for them. A number of natural disasters, including fires, earthquakes, and shelling in 1945, have befallen the church throughout its history. Coral rock was used in the construction of this magnificent chapel. The Molo plaza is dominated by two imposing scarlet steeples that are supported by a stool. You may discover a variety of sculptures, paintings, and other forms of religious artwork at this particular church.
Miag-ao Fortress Church
In the year 1786, construction began on this church. It is an impressive picture of a mediaeval castle church that was conceived of by a Spanish missionary and has intricate flower designs on the facade of the building. People living in the area were protected from the Moors by the church towers that were built. The church has sturdy walls that are of a considerable thickness. Within the walls of the church are also a number of hidden tunnels. Coconut palms and two bell towers may be seen on the other side of the church. In 1993, the Miag-ao Church was included on the list of World Heritage Sites maintained by UNESCO under the heading of “Baroque Churches of the Philippines.”
