Paterno Ancestral House (Calle R. Hidalgo)
Calle Hidalgo was home to the elite of Old Manila during the 19th and early 20th centuries. A notable feature of several grand houses along Calle Hidalgo (formerly Calle San Sebastian) are the colonnades that line the street.
One surviving example is the Paterno House, which dates from the 1870s.
Notable residents include the statesman and writer Pedro Paterno, and his sister Dolores Paterno, who composed the song “La Flor de Manila” a.k.a “Sampaguita”.
One of Quiapo’s greatest treasures is its collection of heritage houses that date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Quiapo east of Quezon Avenue was largely spared from the destruction of the Battle of Manila, thus providing a rare glimpse into Manila’s old architecture. Sadly, this treasure is underappreciated and largely endangered due to postwar “development” and lack of state support and regulation which has led to the demolition of many heritage houses and heritage structures in the city.
You may want to read: