HISTORY OF THE LACSON RUINS

The Lacson Ruins Mansion is what’s left of a family estate constructed in 1920 by a rich sugar magnate known as Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. Don Mariano built the mansion as a tribute to his affection for his Portuguese spouse, Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga, following her death in 1911. Maria, who was expecting their eleventh child then, lost her life along with that of her baby in an accident.

Don Mariano constructed the building on a 440-hectare sugar estate located at the boundary of today's Talisay and Bacolod. Its design was characterized as Italianate because it drew influence from Italian architecture. However, it was subsequently ignited in 1942 by Filipino guerrilla fighters working with the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

This was carried out to stop it from being utilized as a military office by the invading Japanese troops. It persisted in burning for three days until solely its existing cement frame remained. The initial plan was to set it ablaze completely. Even though most of the mansion is gone, its remnants are celebrated as one of the architectural marvels of the Philippines. It has also earned names like the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines.”

Currently, the Ruins Mansion is possessed privately by the great-grandchildren of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga.

WHAT MAKES THE RUINS MANSION WORTH VISITING?