The Ruins Bacolod, often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Negros, is a mesmerizing testament to the rich heritage and culture of the Philippines. Located in Talisay City within the province of Negros Occidental, The Ruins stands as a symbol of love and resilience amid adversity.
This grand mansion was built by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, one of the wealthiest sugar barons in his time. He dedicated it to his Portuguese wife Maria Braga who passed away during her pregnancy. Constructed in the early 1900s by skilled local craftsmen and artisans using top-quality materials brought from different parts of the world; its architecture is an exquisite blend of Italianate and neo-Roman styles.
The structure’s intricate design is awe-inspiring with detailed carvings on each pillar. The posts are beautifully embellished with composite shell-inspired decor that pays homage to Roman architecture’s iconic Corinthian columns. It also features an expansive four-tiered fountain at its frontage, further enhancing its regal charm.
However, what makes The Ruins truly remarkable is not just its architectural brilliance but also its history steeped in love and war. During World War II when American forces landed on Negros Island, they found that Japanese soldiers were hiding within these mansions’ walls. To prevent them from utilizing it as their headquarters or defensive fortress, Filipino guerrillas set fire to this mansion under American orders leaving only skeletal remains behind.
Despite being ravaged by fire for three days straight, The Ruins stood tall showcasing its solid construction quality. Its concrete structures turned more robust due to heat exposure which made limestone particles expand filling up every crack or crevice present initially during construction.
Today, The Ruins serves as a popular tourist attraction drawing visitors worldwide who marvel at its grandeur against a backdrop of lush greenery and vibrant sunset hues reflecting off its charred walls that have weathered both time and calamity. As dusk sets in, the mansion is illuminated with spotlights that accentuate its skeletal structure providing a hauntingly beautiful view.
The Ruins Bacolod has been aptly named as it offers a vivid glimpse into the past while standing proudly amidst modern developments. Its story of love, loss, resilience, and survival resonates deeply with every visitor making it more than just an architectural marvel but also a symbol of Filipino spirit and resilience.
Visiting The Ruins Bacolod is like stepping back in time to an era of grandeur and opulence. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in ruins, there lies beauty – beauty that transcends physical form and manifests itself through stories etched within its walls. the ruins bacolod crown jewel of Negros; a testament to enduring love and the indomitable spirit of its people.
