Spanish Colonial Legacy
Vigan City is compact, located along the river, population nearly 50,000. It is divided to two parts: the World Heritage Site and commercial zone.
Visiting a small town is easy on
foot. If you know the history, architecture, personalities and lifestyles, you
will enjoy this World Heritage Site even more.
Leona Florentino Monument, Vigan Heritage Village |
Knowing the Famous
Juan de Salcedo
The legend who founded Vigan to be
the Spanish administrative centre in the North, this man is a Spaniard born in
Mexico, the nephew of Miguel López de Legazpi, the first Governor-General of
Philippines. He died at the age of 27 years with a malignant fever. His body
was buried at San Agustin Church, Intramuros in Manila, one of UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Plaza Salcedo is the landmark in remembrance of him.
Father Jose Burgos
Filipino priest as the reformist
and revolutionary hero, Plaza Burgos and Burgos Museum are related to him. The
museum is displayed personal belongings of Father Jose Burgos, and is a hall of
fame for the important persons of Ilocos.
Leona Florentino
In addition, Vigan is also the
place where the heroine is reminiscent. Leona Florentino is Spanish language
poet in the global creative excellence. Her writing was feminist approach which
was forbidden. Her monument is placed at the entrance to the Vigan Heritage
Village near her former house. Currently, it is the Tourist Centre and Café
Leona renowned restaurant.St Paul Cathedral, Vigan City |
St Paul Cathedral Facade, Vigan City |
Tourist Attractions
Old Town
Plaza Salcedo is the old city centre across from City Hall and St Paul Church.
Plaza Burgos is located beside St Paul Church. It is street food hub and fast food mall.
Archbishop's Residence and St Paul Church are one of the significant religious places in country. It was constructed in Italian Renaissance architecture during Baroque era.
Old Town
Plaza Salcedo is the old city centre across from City Hall and St Paul Church.
Plaza Burgos is located beside St Paul Church. It is street food hub and fast food mall.
Archbishop's Residence and St Paul Church are one of the significant religious places in country. It was constructed in Italian Renaissance architecture during Baroque era.
UNESCO: Cobble Stone Street, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City |
One of Vigan House |
Calle Crisologo
Cobble Stone Street which is the most important part are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vigan old-style houses built with wisdom lined along the street including restaurants, furniture houses, and souvenir shops.
Frankly, most buildings are in disrepair. At some point, it looks lonely. I sincerely hope that Vigan will be taken care more. Restoration would require very high budget.
Vigan still have more old style houses for tourists to experience the magnificent architecture closely.
Syquai Mansion House of the 6th President "Elpidio Quirino"
Crisologo Museum It owned by Crisologo family.
Quema House. Scholars agree it is the 18th century most predominant home.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is located to the south of Vigan, about 30-40 min. Easy to visit by van near City Hall.
Cobble Stone Street which is the most important part are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vigan old-style houses built with wisdom lined along the street including restaurants, furniture houses, and souvenir shops.
Frankly, most buildings are in disrepair. At some point, it looks lonely. I sincerely hope that Vigan will be taken care more. Restoration would require very high budget.
Vigan still have more old style houses for tourists to experience the magnificent architecture closely.
Syquai Mansion House of the 6th President "Elpidio Quirino"
Crisologo Museum It owned by Crisologo family.
Quema House. Scholars agree it is the 18th century most predominant home.
In addition, you may hire Kalesa to go around the city like the colonial
times. The Kalesa station is located opposite
Vigan Hotel near Plaza Burgos.
Nearby Attraction
Santa Maria Church: Baroque Churches
of the Philippines.Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is located to the south of Vigan, about 30-40 min. Easy to visit by van near City Hall.