Casa Gorordo Museum - The Upper Floor
The upper floor served as the living quarters where its distinctive spatial units reflected the degree of intimacy in social relations.
This behavioral pattern was common among the upper class and placed premium on formalized and ceremonies social interaction.
People lived on the upper level since they believed that sickness was "brought about by bad air coming from the ground."
The main stairway indicates the social status of the family in the 19th century. Landing atop the moderately grand staircase is the caida, a spacious hall leading to the sala or living room. Spatial demarcations unique to the house are the ornately carved callados or hanging dividers found in the hallway or connector.
These dividers are not merely architectural but also behavioral boundaries.
The abuhan, located in the kitchen or cucina, is the wooden cooking platform, where food is prepared. It is topped with soil to make it fire-resistant.
Upper class houses have two dining areas, the formal dining area, site of celebrations for birthdays, baptisms, weddings, bienvenidas and despedidas for close friends and relatives, and the informal dining areas for everyday use.
The tiled terrace (azotea) provides a sweeping vista over the interior garden. Its spaces is utilized for functions and intimate occasions.