Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines with its Spanish-influenced structures still intact.
The beautiful town of Vigan, located on the west coast of Luzon island, is one of the Philippines’ best-loved attractions. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish-influenced architecture and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Heritage Village is the highlight of Vigan where you will find the old-time cobblestone streets, picturesque views and blocks of well-preserved Spanish buildings.
Calle Crisologo is a scenic street and makes you feel transported through time into the Philippine colonial period. Especially at night, when the street is illuminated vintage lamps and horse-drawn calesas passing by.
This former residence of Crisologo family – a prominent political dynasty in Vigan – is now a museum with memorabilia and pieces of antique furniture. It’s open for public viewing throughout the week.
The magnificent Saint Paul’s Cathedral is the major religious landmark not only in Vigan, but the country as well. This Vigan’s must-see attraction was built in 1574 upon the command of the Spanish founder of Vigan, Juan de Salcedo. The cathedral follows a Baroque architectural design with neo-Gothic, pseudo-Romanesque, and Chinese craftsmanship influences, but it has been modified by Ilocanos to strengthen the structure against earthquakes.
Museo Nueva Segovia, which has a collection of priceless ecclesiastical artifacts and relics from other churches from around the Ilocos region, and the Archbishop’s Palace, are located a stone’s throw away from the Saint Paul Cathedral and Plaza Salcedo.
The Burgos Museum is the ancestral house of a priest patriot known as Padre Burgos. It’s one of the notable historic structures of Vigan that houses a collection of memorabilia and photographs during the Spanish colonialization.
Bantay Church and Bell Tower is a tower on a hill that gives a 360-degree picturesque view of Vigan. You may go all the way to the top of the tower to witness the beautiful view and enjoy the cool wind of Vigan.
A few meters away from the Belfry, one may see the St. Augustine Church which was built in 1590 and has deep brown, neo-gothic facade.
