Vigan, known as the “Heritage City” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1999 and in 2015, hailed as one of the New7Wonders Cities in the world (I remember voting for this online). Vigan is among the few locations in the Philippines that has able to preserved up to this date few of Spanish remains that reminds us of their over 3 centuries reign in the archipelago.

The unique architectural structures that reflects Filipino, Chinese and European (Spanish) elements makes the town unique among other cultural heritage in the South East Pacific Asia region. The city offers a unique blend of Hispanic and Fil-Chinese landscape dated back in the 16^th century and survived all through the years. Long years before the Spanish colonization, Vigan was a major trading post in Luzon where Chinese traders sails from the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) thru Mestizo River. The riverbanks plays an important role in Vigan’s pre-colonial existence and even after the arrival of Spanish conquistador, this was a used as a pass-thru. Intramuros in Manila, known as the walled city is where Vigan’s urban plan co-patterned.

Vigan is the capital of Ilocos Sur, located in northern part of Luzon Island. Some of the country’s oldest educational institution is in Vigan such that of University of Northern Philippines believed to start in 1902 and the Divine Word College of Vigan formerly known as the Colegio de la Immaculada Concepcion in 1822. Ancient city of Vigan founded in the 16^th century while its cityhood earned in 2001.

Speaking of Vigan, let’s check out what’s the local attractions in one of the country’s emblem of Hispanic regime. Trip to Vigan covered exploring the Baluarte Zoo, Bantay Bell Tower, Plaza Burgos, Saint Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral and the infamous Calle Crisologo.

Baluarte Zoo

Baluarte Zoo, owned by Chavit Singson, one of the prominent and elite political figure in the country and of Ilocano origin is a hundred-hectare zoological park in Vigan. Animals like lions, tigers, deers, zebras, camels, donkeys and even reptiles can be spotted in this area. Originally designed by Singson himself for Ilocanos to prevent them from going out to visit metropolis to see and experience such wonders of nature.  

Bantay means “to guard”. Dedicated to Saint Augustine of Hippo, established in 1590, the church is among the oldest in the Ilocos Region. It was restored when heavily damaged during the World War II and of Neo-Gothic design mixed with pseudo-Romanesque made of bricks and mud.

Bantay Bellfry (Bantay Tower)

The belfry served as a watchtower back in the Spanish colonization because of its strategic location and overlooking the province of Abra. Rumor has it that it was a favorite love nest of Filipino revolutionists and national heroes, Diego and Gabriela Silang who are both Ilocanos. A few meters away is the Saint Augustine Parish Church or Bantay Church is the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad). Surviving over 400+ years, Bantay Bell Tower was a silent witness of the province various outrages and victories.

Travel Joiner Group Photo

Plaza Burgos

Plaza Burgos built to commemorate one of the three priests, Father Jose P. Burgos also known as “GomBurZa” who were executed in Manila’s Bagumbayan during the Spanish revolution. Not as huge as Plaza Salcedo, Plaza Burgos can be found just beside the grandeur Saint Paul Cathedral.

The structure or monument filled with information related to the martyr priest, who is the only national heroes came from the clergy. Father Jose Burgos is a local of Vigan born in 1837 and was died in 1872 at the age of 35 after being charged with sedition. He is one of the active leaders and a reformist together with Father Mariano Gomez and Father Jacinto Zamora.

Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral (Vigan Cathedral)

Similar to Paoay Church, Vigan Cathedral or the Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is made of earthquake baroque style with large buttresses on the side to support the interior and exterior of the building. Founded in the order of Juan de Salcedo after he came to Vigan in 1574, but it was only then in 1641 when the first church built but after several damages due to earthquakes, typhoons and fires, it was only in 1790 to 1800 when it was truly established up to present day.

When UNESCO declared Vigan as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Vigan Cathedral is part of it.

Calle Crisologo

Calle means "street". Perhaps the most beautiful street in the country is Calle Crisologo. A mestizo district filled with Hispanic influence houses that brought us back together to the rich Fil-Chinese and Spanish era. It is a two-story building made of stones and wood accented with capiz shell windows to provide more ventilation. Back those days, the first floor was actually a shop were you can buy merchantable items such as abel cloth, tobacco, antiques, jewelry, woodcrafts, even gold and other goods that being traded to Vigan and all over the North. And even up to this date, some of the houses are still selling of Vigan and Ilocano delicacies, food and souvenirs.

The street named after a notable politician, a writer and a poet, Marcelino Crisologo also known as Mena Crisologo and one of the most respected Ilocanos. Calle Crisologo transformed into a street that is full of life so make sure to experience coming in here at night.

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