The Ruins, Talisay
The concrete shell of a mansion built out of love, burned in wartime, and glowing gold at sunset.
Quick answer
- What it is: the remains of an early 1900s Italianate mansion built by sugar planter Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson.
- The story: built in memory of his wife, Maria Braga, it is nicknamed the 'Taj Mahal of Negros'.
- Why it is a ruin: in the Second World War, it was set on fire so Japanese forces could not use it; it reportedly burned for three days.
- Where: Talisay City, a short drive from central Bacolod.
- Best time: late afternoon, to see it lit by the sunset and then floodlit at dusk.
Why it is a wonder
In the early 1900s, sugar planter Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built a grand Italianate mansion in the middle of his sugarcane fields in Talisay, in memory of his wife Maria Braga, who had died while pregnant with their eleventh child. Its romance earned it the nickname the “Taj Mahal of Negros”.
During the Second World War, the mansion was deliberately set on fire so that Japanese forces could not use it as a headquarters. It reportedly burned for three days. The wooden floors and roof were lost, but the strong concrete shell survived, and today The Ruins stands as one of the most photographed sights in the Visayas, especially at sunset.
Beat the crowds
- Arrive in the late afternoon to see the ruins in golden light, then stay as the floodlights come on.
- Avoid MassKara weekend in October, unless you are there for the festival.
Getting there
The Ruins is in Talisay City, about 20 to 30 minutes by road from central Bacolod. Take a taxi, Grab or a tour. Bacolod is served by Bacolod-Silay Airport and by ferries from Iloilo.
A perfect day
- Walk Bacolod’s plaza and cathedral in the morning.
- Eat chicken inasal, Bacolod’s famous grilled chicken, for lunch.
- Visit The Ruins in the late afternoon.
- Stay for dusk, when the ruins glow under lights.
Through the seasons
- November to May: the drier months.
- October: the MassKara Festival in Bacolod.
- June to October: wetter, with occasional typhoons.
Respect the place
The site is privately owned and still loved by the family. Don’t climb on the walls, and treat the ruins as the memorial they are.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is The Ruins in Bacolod?
It is in neighbouring Talisay City, about 20 to 30 minutes by road from central Bacolod.
Who burned the mansion?
Filipino and American forces, including guerrillas, set it on fire during the Second World War to keep it from becoming a Japanese headquarters.
Why is it called the Taj Mahal of Negros?
Because, like the Taj Mahal, it was built by a husband in memory of his wife.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. The site is privately owned by the family's descendants. Check current hours and fees before you go.
Loboc River
A jade-green river, floating restaurants with live music, and an old stone church restored after the 2013 earthquake.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
