Tacloban Sightseeing

The most populous city in Leyte, Tacloban is also one of the province’s leading tourist destinations. In and around the city are various landmarks and sites that will provide the visitor a totally unique experience.

The CAP Building

During the 1900s, the Americans built several luxury residences in the Tacloban City, and the CAP building, formerly the Price Mansion, is one of its finest exponents.

The mansion, situated in Justice Romualdez Street, also served a vital function during World War II, as it became the headquarters of the Allies headed by General Macarthur.

The Redona Residence

If you cross the corner of Sen. Enage St and turn right, you will end up in T. Claudio St., where you will come across the historic Redona Residence

The two story house, composed almost entirely of wood, was where Prsident Sergio Osmena Sr stayed during the war for liberation in 1944. It was the presidential headquarters until the release of Manila was completely liberated.

Hill 120

Hill 120 is some 20 miles (34 km) away from Tacloban City. Today it is now known as Catmon Hil, and recognized as the place where the
US flag was raised on October 20, 1944.

Those who make the trek to Hill 120 will learn where some of the biggest battles in Leyte Valley occurred. In addition there is a garden filled with various types of flowers and greens; there are also parks and several programs that provide information about the site.

The Palo Metropolitan Cathedral

The Palo Metropolitan Cathedral can be found in Palo, Leyte only 7 miles (12 km) from Tacloban, and has served a number of functions throughout its history.

The Cathedral was created in in 1596 for the use of the friars of St. Augustine. During World War II, the place served two purposes, the first was as a medical facility for wounded soldiers, and later on as a shelter for civilians during the Allied siege in 1944. The structure also offers views of the Stations of the Cross, an alter, and the gardens.

The Leyte Provincial Capitol

Established over a century ago in 1907 in Tacloban, the complex now serves as the official building of the provincial administration.

The Provincial Capitol has had a long and storied past. Following the arrival of the American and Allied Forces to the Philippines in 1944, the structure served as the seat of the government. One of the sights not to be missed are the antique murals, including a depiction of General Macarthur’s famous landing.

The Tacloban City Hall

The home of the local government since 1952, the City Hall offers a vista of some of the most impressive sites in the city.

From the building’s location you will be able to see much of Tacloban itself, including the Philippine-Japanese memorial shrine and also the San Juanico Strait and San Pedro Bay. Inside the hall you can get information about tourism and what sites to visit.

The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

This Shrine/Museum is one of the biggest attractions in Tacloban and Leyte, and was one of several edifices built by former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

The Museum consists of 13 rooms, each housing different objects and relics, arranged according to certain themes. There are also several precious art paintings, ranging from religious images, depictions about Filipino mythology and classical pieces by Fernando Amorsolo.

The People’s Center and Library

If you are looking for information about the history of Leyte, then this library, in Real St is the best resource available.

The Center does not just contain valuable facts and relics concerning Leyte, but also Samar, which for a long time was a part of the province. There is also a diorama displaying the more than 80 tribes in the Philippines, and a reading area.