After several failed
colonization attempts by earlier Spanish voyagers like Ferdinand
Magellan, the Philippines was officially incorporated to the Spanish
crown in 1571 by explorer Miguel López de Legazpi.
In the more than 300-year Spanish rule that followed, the Spanish were
able to build and establish several settlements all over the country
like the walled city of Intramuros in Manila and several
settlements in Cebu and in the northern town of Vigan.
Sadly, in the closing battles of World War II, many of these settlements
were flattened and destroyed. Only Vigan came away virtually unscathed.
Located in the northern part of the Philippines, some 408 kilometers
Northwest of Manila, Vigan remains the only surviving colonial town in
the Philippines.
 Visitors
will definitely enjoy going around the streets where it feels like time
has stood still. The cobbled streets together with the old
Spanish houses and numerous calesas (horse drawn carriages)
look like a scene from a Spanish period movie.
In December of 1999, Vigan was formally included in the UNESCO World
Heritage List of protected sites.
For new visitors to Vigan, some of the places you can visit are:
Calle Crisologo – One of the more famous streets which showcases
gorgeous old houses on both sides. Some of the houses have been
converted to antique and souvenir stores.
Vigan Cathedral (also known as St Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral)
– A 200-300 year old church built in the Baroque tradition. The Vigan
cathedral also houses the Museo San Pablo and Nueva Segovia museums.
Plaza Salcedo – Plazas or open garden spaces usually fronting the
town halls where the norm during the Spanish era. The Plaza Salcedo is
an example of a Spanish town plaza.
Plaza Burgos - located beside Vigan Cathedral. The famous Vigan
Empanada (meat pie) is sold in the afternoon by stalls near the plaza.
Burgos National Museum – the ancestral house of Philippine Patriot
Padre Jose Burgos. A must-see if you are into antiques and Ilocos region
artifacts. Cameras are allowed inside. And entrance fee is a mere P10.
Crisologo Museum – an example of a house of an affluent family at
the time. The house features a grand staircase, big kitchen, large
mirrors and a huge dining area. The house also features a collection of
old bags, perfume bottles, shoes and clothes from the Spanish era.
Hidden Garden -
a lovely garden located in a remote barangay
(village) in Vigan. They also sell plants/flowers and terracotta/red
clay products.
Visit the Beautiful Philippine Islands today! A great vacation for the entire
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