Just like in any other province in the Philippines, the city center of Roxas is mainly comprised of a Church, City Hall, Plaza, Museum, Hospitals, Schools and Market. Points of interest that you should see and visit includes:
Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral – one of the oldest Churches in the country.
Panublion – a small museum (used to be a water tank) that houses some important artifacts and documents regarding how Roxas City was before, at present and its vision for the future.
City Bridge – built during 1910, this bridge crosses the Panay River. It connects the commercial center of the city to the main plaza.
Built in 1925, the Roxas City Fountain in front of Roxas Cathedral at the heart of the city plaza has been a subject of controversy. Interestingly, the fountain’s focal center is the kilometer zero point of the city. The original fountain was destroyed during the World War II and was rebuilt in 1946 where eight sculptured fishes with jet sprays so that water gushes from their mouth where installed. But in 2007, the original design of the Roxas City Fountain was heavily altered reportedly costing millions of pesos . Four kneeling male reminiscent of European flair were installed drawing both praise and criticism from the locals. But when a new administration was elected in 2010, these controversial statues were demolished and resurrected back to its original design. Talk about wasted tax payer’s money. In 2012, another renovation was made, eventually turning Roxas City Fountain into a dancing fountain drawing flak from the public again.
Across the controversial Roxas City Fountain is the Roxas City Bridge (Old Capiz Bridge) which was constructed in 1910. The 106 year-old bridge where the placid Panay River traverses has stood the test of time, connecting the commercial center to the main road. Because of this, some locals call Roxas City as the “Venice of the Visayas”.
At Halaran Plaza near the Roxas City Bridge, you can find a beautifully-designed earthquake- proof bandstand built in the 1920s by Jose Roldan, the first Filipino principal of Capiz trade school. This spot served as the site of political rallies.
The neck-swiveling Capiz Provincial Capitol with neoclassical architectural flair is another well-preserved old structure situated in Roxas City Plaza. This beauty was designed by the American architect William Parsons and built in 1910.
CAPIZ (travel & food blog) 