Stonemasonry or stonecraft is defined as the building of structures and sculptures with the use of the stone, and it includes shaping and arranging them.

Accordingly, there are 2 types: Ashlar masonry (which makes use of dressed stone or one that the mason has worked into shape using tools), and rubble masonry – which makes use of natural rocks.

In the Cordilleras, “kabite” or stone wall is a result of the Cordillerans’ stone masonry craftmabship. It particularly pertains to the indigenous technology for constructing walls using naturally occurring stones piled firmly, meticulously fitted together.

What makes it more ingenious is the fact that the stones are used as they are, with just minimal re-shaping to make them fit securely with smaller stones being used to fill in the gaps and compacted soil is used as back-fill to support the stones.

Initially, such practice has been used to support terraced slopes for rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and even residential lots. This is done because of the obvious type of terrain the region – mountainous.

In Baguio City, tourist attractions showcasing such craftsmanship have emerged in recent time. First was the Igoror Stone Kingdom, and just this year, another similar attraction has opened.

DRAGON STONE CASTLE OR DRAGON TREASURE CASTLE

Located at Block 8 Jade’s Street Irisville Subdivision, Phase 2 San Carlos Heights, Irisan, Baguio — this is touted to be an emerging tourist attraction that both locals and other visitors would want to experience.

Just like Igorot Stone Kingdom, the Dragon Treasure Castle highlights structures reflective of the Cordillwrans ‘ingenuity in the art of stone-laying, or “kabite”.

So far, the over-all look of the castle reminds me of Dubrovnik’s old Town (I feel like they have drawn inspiration from the castle like structures in the hit series Gane of Thrones). Other than the seemingl impressive stone craft of the structure, the view from this attractions location is stunning, most especially if fog starts to hover around the place. I am pretty sure the subset view would also be spectacular.

Here are some information visitors need to know should they decide to visit the place.