Aguinaldo Shrine

The Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral house and museum of Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines, located in Barangay Kaingen, Kawit, Cavite. Originally built in 1845 and reconstructed in 1849, the mansion is where Philippine independence from Spain was proclaimed on June 12, 1898, from its front balcony. Now a National Shrine managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, it preserves period furniture, memorabilia, and exhibits on the Philippine Revolution.

Visitors can explore the restored two-storey mansion with its American-era architecture, wooden balconies, and secret passages. The ground floor houses a museum with Aguinaldo's memorabilia, documents, weapons, and the original flag, while the upper floor displays period furniture and bedrooms. The front balcony and window where independence was proclaimed, the formal garden with Aguinaldo's tomb, and guided tours explaining the house's history and features are central to the visit.

The house was the birthplace of Emilio Aguinaldo on March 22, 1869, and the site of the proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. Originally built in 1845, rebuilt in 1849, and renovated by Aguinaldo in the 1920s, it was donated to the government in 1963 and declared a National Shrine in 1964. It is managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Designated as a National Shrine, it is a symbol of Philippine independence and nationhood. It serves as a center for Independence Day commemorations every June 12 and preserves Filipino revolutionary heritage and late 19th to early 20th century domestic architecture.