Baybay Heritage Lane: A Blast from the Past

Baybay Heritage Lane: A Blast from the Past

If the Philippines boast of Vigan, Ilocos Norte as the gateway to the country’s rich history, Baybay City is proud to have a little Vigan of its own. The Baybay City is proud to have a little stretch of vintage and ancestral houses including the church of the Immaculate Conception along A. Mabini St., Baybay City, Leyte. It is blast from the past and a good treat for the senses.

This heritage lane brings images of antiqued houses built in the 1930s during the American occupation in the Philippines. According to a resident whose ancestors were the original owner of one of the houses, maintaining those structures are both a challenge and a pleasure. By taking care of these buildings, it is like keeping their childhood memories intact.

The church of the Immaculate Conception, on the other hand, is an 18th century edifice which is the center of Roman Catholic services in the City. The church also used to be a refugee camp for wounded soldiers during the Seconds World War. The architectural design of the church is carefully preserved because of its historical significance to the Baybayanons.

Today, this heritage lane has recognized by the Leyte Heritage Festival and is considered as a destination site for architectural heritage tour to deepen cultural and historical appreciation of the people.