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Vigan Ilocos Sur Tourist SpotsVigan Ilocos Sur stands among the world's best heritage sites. This section gives you just a taste of what you can expect to see in Vigan. We invite you to take a peak at the unique tourist attractions in Vigan...or better still come and visit. The treasures of Vigan await you.
Calle CrisologoCalle Crisologo is located at the heart of the Mestizo district in Vigan Ilocos Sur. Here you will see rows of centuries-old Vigan Houses characterized by high ceilings, meter-thick stone walls, balconies, tiled roofs and ornate iron grillwork.These houses are still in use today as residences of the original builders' descendants. Some have opened their homes to the public as museums and inns, while others transformed their ground floors into boutiques where you can buy gift items, antiques, fine antique reproductions, and Vigan furniture at reasonable prices.
Burgos HouseThe ancestral house of Padre Jose Burgos, along Crisologo Street, has been turned into a national museum.It showcases an excellent collection of archeological and ethnographic treasures, antiques, dioramas of local historical events, and photographs of Ilocano heroes and achievers. On its uppper floor, you will find a priceless collection of 14 Esteban Villanueva canvasses depicting the 1807 Basi Revolt.
Crisologo MuseumThe Crisologo Museum is the ancestral home of Ilocos Sur's former congressman Floro Crisologo (who sponsored the Tobacco Law and Social Security System).The museum houses the Crisologo family's memorabilia, a rich collection of historical artifacts, antique statues of saints, antique furniture, and various ethnological pieces.
St. Paul's CathedralThe majestic St. Paul's Cathedral (also called Vigan Cathedral) was built along the distinct "Earthquake Baroque" style of the Ilocos region and features Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. Most of the original features of the church interior are still intact. The Cathedral has twelve altars, three naves, and a choir loft. Above the main doorway is an alcove that depicts the coversion of St. Paul. Other elements such as the Fu Dogs and the moldings on its facade and the brass communion rails give hints of the Chinese influence in the church's designs and architecture.The first Vigan Cathedral was ordered and built in 1574 by Juan de Salcedo. Another version of the church was again constructed in 1641. The present baroque-style building was constructed in 1790 and completed in 1800. Its bell tower is located stands separately in Plaza Burgos, 10 meters south of the cathedral.
Plaza BurgosThe plaza is a landmark tribute to Father Jose P. Burgos, one of the three Filipino martyr priests who were executed by the Spaniards for espousing church reforms. The plaza is flanked by St. Paul's Cathedral and the old "seminario" (seminary), which was burned down in 1968.Plaza Burgos in Vigan Ilocos Sur is a favorite promenade for local folks and tourists, given its ambiance, and the line of kiosks offering local delicacies. It is particularly known for its "empanada" stands that sells tasty empanada (meat pastry) in the afternoon up to late evening. Plaza Burgos is also the site where most of Vigan's special events are staged.
Plaza SalcedoPlaza Salcedo, named after Vigan's conqueror Don Juan de Salcedo, is situated right at the center of Vigan Ilocos Sur. It is an elevated elliptical plaza, and among the most beautiful in the Philippines. It features the 17th century Juan de Salcedo Monument, the oldest one of its kind in Northern Luzon.It was here in Plaza Salcedo where Gabriela Silang, a revolutionary hero, was executed by public hanging in 1763. Vigan Cathedral and the Arzobispado (Archbishop's Palace) next to it visually anchor the plaza. At the opposite end of the plaza, you will find government buildings, such as the Vigan City Hall and the Ilocos Sur Capitol.
Palacio de ArzobispadoThe Archbishop's Palace was built in 1783. It served as the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia, and is the only surviving 18th century arzobispado in the Philippines. The palace also became the headquarters of General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898, and the invading American forces under Colonel James Parker in 1899.It has a museum called "Museo Nueva Segovia" which showcases archdiocesan archives, a throne room, antique portraits of bishops, manuscripts, and other religious artifacts from various colonial churches all over Ilocos Sur.
Top of Vigan Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots
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