Despite its dilapidated state, it has become one of Bacolod City’s most popular tourist attractions due to its captivating beauty and intriguing stories. As visitors step foot into The Ruins’ premises, they are immediately transported back in time. The grandeur of the mansion is still evident even amidst the crumbling walls and overgrown vegetation. Its Italianate architecture showcases intricate details such as ornate columns and archways that were once adorned with imported materials from Europe. However, what truly sets The Ruins apart are the untold stories that whisper through its halls. Legend has it that Don Mariano built this magnificent mansion for his beloved wife Maria Braga Lacson who tragically passed away while pregnant with their eleventh child.
It is said that he dedicated every inch of this architectural masterpiece to her memory. Visitors can’t help but feel a sense of awe mixed with melancholy as they explore each room filled with remnants of a bygone era. From the ballroom where lavish parties were held to the bedrooms where family memories were made – every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered. Beyond its romantic origins lie tales of resilience and survival during wartime. During World War II when Japanese forces occupied Bacolod City, guerrilla fighters used The Ruins as their secret hideout due to its strategic location overlooking vast sugarcane fields.
Fragments of History The Ruins of Bacolod City’s Glory Nestled in the heart of Negros Occidental, Philippines, lies a majestic structure that stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Bacolod City. Known as The Ruins, this iconic landmark has become an emblematic symbol of the city’s the ruins glorious past. Originally built in the early 1900s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a wealthy sugar baron, The Ruins was once a grand mansion that showcased both opulence and elegance. Inspired by Italian architecture, it boasted intricate designs and exquisite details that were unparalleled during its time. In order to prevent it from being used as their headquarters or barracks, Don Mariano ordered his workers to burn down his beloved mansion.
