Don Roman Santos Building, Manila
The Don Roman Santos Building is a notable structure located in the heart of Manila, showcasing the enduring beauty of Neoclassical design. Situated on Escolta Street in the bustling district of Santa Cruz, it not only boasts a visually appealing facade but also holds significant historical value. Its prime location facing Plaza Lacson, formerly Plaza Goiti, provides easy access to Carriedo Street or Rizal Avenue, making it a prominent landmark in the city.
Built in 1894 and expanded in 1957, the building reflects the architectural styles and societal changes of its time. Initially serving as the headquarters of the Monte de Piedad Savings Bank until 1937, it played a crucial role in financial and community services. Its historical importance is further highlighted by its use as an American Red Cross-operated hospital from 1945 to 1947, demonstrating its versatility and significance during different periods.
After its medical services phase, the building transformed into a commercial center, housing the Prudential Bank and South Supermart, thus maintaining its status as a hub of economic activity. Notably, the ground floor currently accommodates a branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, following its acquisition of Prudential Bank in 2005. This transition marks a new chapter in the building's history, emphasizing its ongoing relevance in the financial sector.
The Don Roman Santos Building stands as a historical landmark that has adapted to various phases of Philippine history. Its architectural charm, coupled with its diverse history of serving different purposes from banking to healthcare, and now back to banking, demonstrates its adaptability and enduring significance.
Built in 1894 and expanded in 1957, the building reflects the architectural styles and societal changes of its time. Initially serving as the headquarters of the Monte de Piedad Savings Bank until 1937, it played a crucial role in financial and community services. Its historical importance is further highlighted by its use as an American Red Cross-operated hospital from 1945 to 1947, demonstrating its versatility and significance during different periods.
After its medical services phase, the building transformed into a commercial center, housing the Prudential Bank and South Supermart, thus maintaining its status as a hub of economic activity. Notably, the ground floor currently accommodates a branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, following its acquisition of Prudential Bank in 2005. This transition marks a new chapter in the building's history, emphasizing its ongoing relevance in the financial sector.
The Don Roman Santos Building stands as a historical landmark that has adapted to various phases of Philippine history. Its architectural charm, coupled with its diverse history of serving different purposes from banking to healthcare, and now back to banking, demonstrates its adaptability and enduring significance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Manila. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Don Roman Santos Building on Map
Sight Name: Don Roman Santos Building
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manila, Philippines
Create Your Own Walk in Manila
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manila is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Manila Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of the Philippines, Manila was officially founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel L贸pez de Legazpi. However, an organized polity, called Maynila (meaning "where indigo is found" in Tagalog), existed on the site since as early as 1258.
The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
International surveys have repeatedly ranked Filipinos among the world鈥檚 most religious people. The archipelago鈥檚 colonization and evangelization by the Spanish, started in 1565, has left Manila with many shrines and churches sprawled around its streets, despite the destructions by wars and natural disasters. Some of these old churches are especially attractive due to their delicate mixture of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Traditional Markets
Traditional markets showcase a unique aspect of life in any city. The ones featured in this walk offer a glance into the authentic life and habits of Manila鈥檚 people and play a vital role in the Philippines' capital's economic and cultural landscape. Traditionally, local markets sell a broader range of products than regular shops can provide: from veggies and fruits to dried fish and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Manila鈥檚 long history results from its situation as a natural port in a huge bay. With the Spanish conquest of the Philippines in the 16th century, it became united, along with Mexico City and Madrid, into the first truly globalised trade system. Intramuros, Manila鈥檚 old walled Spanish town, stood for 350 years before World War II came, and still houses many of the historic buildings.
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Manila Shopping: 20 Filipino Goods To Bring Home
An archipelago of 7,000+ islands, The Philippines is a diverse nation populated by different tribes, each having their own culture and traditions. In Manila, one can find a whole lot of things worth keeping as a Filipino memento; it just might take one a little while to figure out what's best...