The above photograph is of the Vigan Church and the focal square, a place that offers a glimpse into the history of Vigan City, Philippines. The court region has little models of the miracles of the world. It also has a guide of the Philippines with models of the Filipino World Legacy destinations.
To go to the notable city of Vigan, you can go to Manila. This is the best leap-off point for going to Vigan. There are transport courses that move to Vigan consistently. The transport ride from Manila to Vigan will take about 10 to 11 hours. Another choice is to take a trip to the city of Laoag. From Laoag, you can take a transport to Vigan. The ride will be a lot more limited, at 2 to 3 hours.
Vigan is an exceptionally curious city. You notice it is different from most urban communities in the Philippines as soon as you step off the transport. A significant number of the roads in the focal region don’t permit vehicles. A large portion of the old structures remains unchanged. This helps maintain the vibe of strolling through an old Spanish city. Check out more about Vigan City and what is attractive that you should know before your trip.
Vigan is perhaps one of the most gorgeous towns/urban communities in the Philippines. It is likewise one of the most extravagant regarding authentic and social legacy. For other travel places in the Philippines, visit here for more info.
Situated in the northern part of the Philippines, Vigan is most popular for its legacy town. It has safeguarded Spanish pilgrimage structures. These structures cause you to feel like you are strolling into a time journey. The structures that were built during the eighteenth century are still flawless today. Indeed, Vigan is the primary Hispanic town in the Philippines that remains intact. It retains its cobblestone roads and architecture. This architecture reflects the blend of Philippine and Spanish ideas, which attracts tourists.
Laid out in the sixteenth 100 years, Vigan is the best-protected illustration of an arranged Spanish pioneer town in Asia. Its design reflects the convergence of social components from across the Philippines, China, and Europe. This blend results in a culture and townscape unmatched in East and Southeast Asia.
Vigan was named one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. It was a significant seaside general store during the pre-frontier time. The Chinese trash cruised through the Mestizo Stream before the appearance of the Spanish ships. Nautical shippers traded outlandish merchandise from different parts of Asia, including gold, beeswax, and different items from the Philippines. Ultimately, a couple of Chinese migrants are comfortable with Vigan.
It was in 1572 when the primary Spanish provincial settlement was laid out in Vigan. In 1595, the main ward was laid out and its most memorable minister was named. Over four centuries later, this noteworthy town was recognized. It was then added to the rundown of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. It was likewise named the principal part of Ilocos Sur in 2001. Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also recognized as one of the New Seven Marvels Urban Communities of the World. This honor was given in 2014.
Table of Contents
Why should we visit Vigan City
1. A UNESCO World Heritage Site: A Living Museum
Vigan is best known for its Calle Crisologo, a magnificently preserved street from the 16th century. It is the heart of the Historic City of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Spanish Colonial Architecture: The street is lined with bahay na bato (stone houses) with massive capiz-shell windows, wrought-iron grilles, and red-tiled roofs. There are no modern structures or glaring advertisements, making the illusion of being in the colonial era complete.
- Cobblestone Streets: The streets are paved with cobblestones, and to preserve the atmosphere, vehicles are banned from Calle Crisologo in the evenings. The best way to explore is on foot or by riding a calesa (horse-drawn carriage).
2. A Unique Fusion of Cultures
Vigan’s architecture and culture are a testament to its rich history as an important trading post.
- Asian and European Influence: The design of the buildings shows a fusion of Asian building design (from Chinese and Ilocano artisans) and European architecture (from Spanish colonists). You’ll see influences from China, Mexico, and Spain all in one place.
3. A Culinary Adventure
Vigan is a foodie’s paradise, famous for its distinct and delicious Ilocano cuisine.
- Iconic Vigan Empanada: A must-try! This is not your typical baked empanada. It’s a large, orange-colored, crispy fried pastry filled with grated green papaya, egg, and skinless longganisa (local sausage), served with sukang Iloko (sugarcane vinegar).
- Vigan Longganisa: A garlicky, sour, and slightly spicy sausage that is a breakfast favorite. Try it with garlic rice and a fried egg—a meal called “Longsilog.”
- Bagnet: Deep-fried crispy pork belly that is incredibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s often served with KBL (a salad of Kamatis [tomato], Bagoong [fermented fish paste], and Lasona [onion]).
- Other Delicacies: Okoy (shrimp fritters), Sinanglao (beef innards soup), and Royal Bibingka (a richer, cake-like version of the rice cake).
4. Rich History and Heritage
Beyond the beautiful facade, Vigan is steeped in history.
- Syquia Mansion Museum: The ancestral home of former President Elpidio Quirino, now a museum filled with antique furniture and historical artifacts.
- Crisologo Museum: The ancestral home of the prominent Crisologo family, offering a glimpse into the life of a political clan and the history of the Ilocos region.
- Plaza Salcedo and Plaza Burgos: Two adjacent plazas named after Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo (who founded Vigan) and martyr priest Padre Jose Burgos. Plaza Salcedo features a dancing light and water fountain show in the evenings.
- St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral: A beautiful Baroque-style cathedral built in the 18th century. Its distinct design includes a separate, massive bell tower.
5. Thriving Local Crafts
Vigan is a center for traditional Filipino crafts.
- Burnay Pottery: Visit the pagburnayan (jar factories) to see artisans hand-make and fire traditional earthenware jars called burnay using foot-powered potter’s wheels. These jars are used for storing vinegar, bagoong, and water.
- Abel Iloko Weaving: Witness the intricate process of weaving Abel Iloko, a sturdy and beautifully designed traditional cloth used for clothing, blankets, and table runners. You can buy products directly from workshops.
6. The Magical Vigan River
The Mestizo River has been transformed into a major attraction.
- River Cruise: Take a relaxing boat cruise along the clean and scenic river, especially beautiful at sunset or when the lights come on in the evening. It offers a different perspective of the city and its surrounding nature.
7. Warm and Welcoming Locals
The people of Vigan, and the Ilocos Region in general, are known for their hospitality, resilience, and strong sense of community. Interacting with them adds a rich, personal layer to the historical experience.
In a Nutshell:
You should visit Vigan because it offers a rare, authentic, and immersive historical experience that you cannot find anywhere else in the Philippines or even in Southeast Asia. It’s not just a place to see, but a place to feel—to hear the clip-clop of horse hooves on cobblestones, to taste flavors unique to its culture, and to truly travel back in time.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from November to April, offers the best weather. The Vigan City Fiesta (usually in January) and the Longganisa Festival (every 3rd week of January) are great times to experience vibrant local festivities.
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