Iznart Street
Iznart Street, officially known in parts as Fermin Caram Avenue and Ruperto Montinola Street, is a major commercial thoroughfare in downtown Iloilo City, Philippines. It runs north–south through the district's center, stretching from the Casa Real de Iloilo to Iloilo Chinatown and extending to the Iloilo Central Market.
During the Spanish colonial era, the street was known as Calle Iznart, named after Manuel Iznart, who served as the mayor of Iloilo in the late 1860s. It was one of the city's key commercial and educational hubs. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, during the early years of American colonial period, Iznart Street served as an extension of Calle Real, running from Plazoleta Gay to the Arroyo Fountain in Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
In 1971, an ordinance was passed renaming certain streets in Iloilo City, including Iznart Street, which was divided into two sections. The northern portion, stretching from Plazoleta Gay to General Luna Street, was renamed in honor of Ruperto Montinola, a former senator and governor of Iloilo. Meanwhile, the southern section, from Plazoleta Gay to Blanco Street, was renamed after Dr. Fermin Caram Sr., a Lebanese physician known for his pivotal role in Iloilo during the cholera epidemic, his contributions to the Philippine Constitution, and his service during the Japanese occupation. Despite the official name changes, the street continues to be widely known and referred to by locals as Iznart Street.
The southern portion of Iznart Street is located within the Calle Real Heritage Zone.
Landmarks
Some of the prominent landmarks along Iznart Street are:Arroyo FountainYMCA BuildingCabalum Western CollegeCitadines Amigo Iloilo- Three defunct movie houses:
- * Cinema
- * Alegro 1
- * Alegro 2Unitop IloiloIloilo Central Commercial High SchoolHua Siong College of IloiloPlazoleta Gay
- Terranza ResidencesFilipino-Chinese Friendship ArchLocsin-Coscuella Building, a heritage building built in 1920.Iloilo Grand HotelIloilo Central MarketUniversity of Iloilo
- '''Maria Clara Monument'''