The Taj Mahal of the Philippines

The Ruins was originally the ancestral mansion of the sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and his family. Built in the early 1900s, the mansion was a testament to the love of Don Mariano for his wife, Maria Braga Lacson, who died tragically at a young age. The mansion's architecture is inspired by the Italian Renaissance style, featuring tall columns, intricate designs, and a spacious layout. It is often referred to as the "Taj Mahal of Negros" due to its romantic backstory and resemblance to the famous Indian mausoleum. Sadly, during World War II, the mansion was burned down by the retreating Japanese forces to prevent it from being used as a headquarters by the approaching American troops. What remains today are the skeletal remains of the grand mansion, which have been preserved and maintained as a heritage site.