The Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop's Palace) is the official residence of the Archbishop of Manila, located in Intramuros, Manila. It was established in the 17th century as one of five bishop's palaces in the Philippines.
The Arzobispado was the residence and office of the Archbishop of Manila, located along Calle Arzobispo. The site was purchased during the episcopacy of Archbishop Millan de Poblete (1653âÂÂ1667). It had a drapery-decked throne room, wherein formal receptions were held. The building was destroyed in 1944 during the Allied carpet bombing of Manila in the Second World War. Since then, no attempts were made to rebuild the palace. The site is presently occupied by a guesthouse, the archdiocesan chancery, and archives.
At present, there are nine offices under the Arzobispado managed by Moderator Curiae Rev. Msgr. Rolando R. dela Cruz. These are the Archdiocesan Archives of Manila, Archdiocesan Museum of Manila, Auditing Department, Chancery, Human Resource Development Department, Legal Office, Metropolitan Tribunal of Manila, Properties Administration Department and Treasury and Accounting Department.
The other extant episcopal palace, that of Nueva Segovia (now in Vigan, Ilocos Sur despite Nueva Segovia being Lal-lo, Cagayan, and since 1910 part of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao) remains in use. Portions were converted into an ecclesiastical museum. The Episcopal Palace of Cebu was in an abandoned state, and efforts were made to convert it into an archdiocesan museum. The remaining episcopal palaces of Caceres and Jaro were ruined by war.