Skip to main content

Take a HERITAGE WALK down historic Santa Barbara

There is so much for you to discover in Santa Barbara. From its pivotal role in the quest for freedom for the Ilonggos - as retold in history books, to its heritage as manifested in centuries-old structures, surviving customs, traditional ways of life and gastronomy. No other town has contributed this much to the Iloilo’s history, economy and tourism than Santa Barbara.
In this regard, the Municipal Tourism Office is spearheading a Heritage Walk/Trail designed for locals and tourist alike to discover, experience and enjoy what the historic town has to offer.
  • Marvel in the beauty of the newly restored CHURCH and CONVENT (A) built in 1849 and declared as a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure.
  • Discover the town’s rich culture and historic past at the CENTENNIAL MUSEUM (B).
  • See one of the biggest Philippine flags atop one of the tallest flagpoles in the country displayed 24/7 at the FLAGPOLE PARK (C).
  • A monument dedicated to GEN. MARTIN TEOFILO DELGADO (D) stands in the VICTORY PLAZA (E). Tan Martin successfully led the revolt against Spain on Nov 17, 1898 known as the CRY OF SANTA BARBARA (F). It led to the first raising of the Philippine Flag outside Luzon.
  • Visit the oldest existing golf course in the Philippines  – the ILOILO GOLF and COUNTRY CLUB (G).

  • Appreciate the nimble and creative hands making lace and embroidery works at W.U.T.H.L.E. (H) – a group of women united through handcrafted lace and embroidery (located inside the Western Visayas Sanitarium Complex).
And don’t forget to enjoy some native delicacies and bring some souvenirs!
Easy to follow map serving as guide

For more information and details, please refer to the ff:

SANTA BARBARA MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE
2F Centennial Museum 
Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Tel. No. 33 523-9955

Email: sb100museum@gmail.com




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Santa Barbara Centennial Museum

The Santa Barbara Centennial Museum was built in 1998 as part of the Centennial Freedom Trail Site Project of the Philippine Centennial Commission. The museum houses antiques, artifacts and photos that tell the story of Santa Barbara’s historical heritage. The museum has two wings: the left wing is the historical wing while the right wing has been designated as the changing museum. In the historical wing is Gen. Martin Teofilo Delgado’s Exhibit. The items on exhibit here are: Gen. Martin Teofilo Delgado’s Exhibit – the greatest revolutionary hero of the Visayas, and the first Filipino Governor of Iloilo under the American regime. 1. GMTD’s bed 2. GMTD’s backbone – spared by the Delgado clan for display to the museum with document of permission 3. Documents written in Spanish attesting of him as the first Filipino Governor of Iloilo 4. Photos of him with his family 5. Frames explaining the Cry of Santa Barbara and his biography 6. Revolutionary insignia o

Our Lady of the Smile in Jibao-an, Santa Barbara

In time for the Lenten Season, a new attraction has emerged in Santa Barbara particularly in Brgy. Jibao-an near its boundary with the town of Pavia.  Called as the Our Lady of the Smile, the statue sits on top of a man made mound called the Hill of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Located in a former ricefield, the "hill" is about 2-3 storeys high with snaking paths going all the way up. The winding path is dotted with the Stations of the Cross for simple pilgrimage along the way making devotees and tourists as well experience Via Crucis all year round. At first it may seem so near but as you follow the path, you feel like treading the path Jesus took along the road to Calvary. But it only takes around 15-20 minutes to complete the whole trek, even under the scorching heat of the sun. A brisk walk or a few jogs would make it even faster. The hill is photogenic from almost all angles but the best spot is marked with a selfie or posing deck which captures th

The Catmon tree

The living symbol of Santa Barbara is the only Catmon Tree growing in the entire town. Before the town was renamed after the saint, it used to be called catmon , as this variety of trees were landmarks in the route up Central Panay. Katmon (Family: Dilleniaceae , Synonyms: Dilenia speciosa , other names: Bihis, kulammbug, palali ) has thick foliage and distinctly big white flowers that eventually becomes round fruits. The fruit is sour but refreshing - my tastebuds likened the taste to kamias with hints of green apple and like the pomelo it becomes sweet at some certain points.  The only surviving in the whole town which was previously named after it is right next to the police station - safely guarding it like a treasure. After all it is the only living symbol of  the town of Santa Barbara. Read more.