1730 Jesuit House: Microcosm of Vibrant Cultures

Being a fan of the Jesuits and having aspired to become a Jesuit myself, I am curious about anything Jesuit. When I worked in Cebu and when I heard about the 1730 Jesuit House, I immediately visited there.

It was a bit difficult to find as it is inside a warehouse in the Parian District of Cebu. Anyhow, you can access the place when you inquire from the staff at the gate.

Signage of the 1730 Jesuit House at the Entrance of Ho Tong Hardware.

The environ is basically a hardware but when you get to the house, you'll be amazed by its quaint style. 

Facade of the 1730 Jesuit House

Outside appearance of the house's second level.

Inside the house, you will get to know the history of the Parian District where the edifice is located. It showcases the model of the Parian District before the church was demolished due to the envy of the priest assigned in the nearby cathedral. It also exhibits the model of the original house with the attached observatory established by the Jesuits. 

Model of the Parian District in Cebu City.

The Jesuit House with an observatory during its early days.

Painting of the church in Parian. 

The Parian District being Cebu's Chinatown in those days exerted much Chinese influence on the house as depicted by the Chinese vessels on exhibit there.

Model of a smaller Chinese vessel.

An ancient Chinese vessel.

Model of a Chinese vessel with a pagoda.

Remnants of antiquity can also be seen such as this original post of the house, shells, bones, and petrified wood unearthed in the area, as well as shards of porcelain and earthen vessels. 

Preserved original pillar of the house.

Shells, bones, and petrified woods excavated in the area. 

Shards of porcelain.

Shards of ancient earthen vessels.

Of course, the house showcases its Jesuit past. It has an antique statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, pictures of prominent Jesuits, and the intriguing accurate depiction of San Pedro Calungsod, well, not the typical Piolo Pascual-looking saint. 

A picture of Jesuit priest and a more accurate depiction of San Pedro Calungsod.

Statue of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

Let's now see the house interiors and its hidden Chinese and Christian influences. Being a house of priests, it has a grand staircase which was common during those days. It has Chinese-inspired furniture and artworks. 

An antiquated staircase though still functional.

The dining area which hosted prominent personalities in those days.

Function of an affluent family who once owned the house.

A Chinese cabinet.

An olden bas relief of the Holy Family.

Chinese-inspired beam design.

An ornate sculpture in the upper wall near the ceiling. 

Monogram of Jesus

Monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Monogram of St. Joseph

A relief of the Epiphany.

A relief of Saint Anthony holding the Child Jesus.

Photographs of members of the prominent family who occupied this house are also on display. They were affluent by the standards of those times.  

Family pictures and old printing machines.

Portraits of family members and the image of Sto. Niño.

The house also features ornate furniture such as those shown in the pictures below. 

A canopy bed

Wash basin and arinola in the room.

Antique sewing machine.

Antique Study Table

There is also this antique bas relief which depicts Hindu characters probably brought to Cebu by Indian merchants.

A Hindu-inspired bas relief in the Jesuit House.

To cap off your visit, you can order coffee in their coffee shop or lounge in the library. 

Library and cafe at the Jesuit House compound.

The 1730 Jesuit House is a great place to visit while in Cebu. It shows a microcosm of cultures which proves the vibrance of Cebu's storied past.