 |
|
Ilocos Sur > Vigan Philippines Discover Vigan Philippines
Ever wonder how the Spanish mestizos lived centuries ago? Then come and visit Vigan Philippines.
|
Imagine taking a leisurely walk or a kalesa tour around Mestizo District (now called Vigan Heritage Village), with its narrow cobbled-stone streets lined by well-preserved massive Spanish ancestral houses. The streets lead you to plazas Burgos and Salcedo.
|
Imagine further what it's like to step into these centuries-old structures where the Spanish meztisos lived and entertained guests in expansive dining and living rooms on the second floors, and conducted business on their ground-floors that are big enough to fit one or two calezas (horse-drawn carriages).
View a rich collection of historical and religious artifacts, archaelogical and ethnographic treasures, antique furniture it its museums.
Savor the delicious empanadas, which ilocos is famous for. Witness the ancient crafts of making burnay (unglazed earthen jars), abel-weaving, and damili (terracotta) industries.
You'll get to experience this and more in Vigan Philippines.
Don Juan de Salcedo, the Spanish explorer who conquered Vigan in 1572, modeled the city after his own hometown in Spain. He built Vigan with a central plaza surrounded by several buildings such as a school, municipal hall, and most importantly a church. This pattern became a model for other Spanish settlements in the Philippines.
Today Vigan remains as the only intact Spanish village in the Philippines, boasting over 180 ancestral homes, plazas, churches, historic treasures, and indigenous crafts and industries dating back to 16th to 19th centuries.
In 1999, Vigan joined the ranks of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. It was inscribed in the UNESCO's world heritage list, and was recognized as "the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia."
"Its architecture reflects the fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, from China and Europe to create a unique culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in North and Southeast Asia."
Yes, a trip to this historic city in Ilocos Sur province takes you back in time and lets you experience the what life was in those days.
Let's take a peek at the many treasures in store for you...starting with the unique Vigan tourist attractions. And don't forget to check out its traditional industries and plan to bring home a few rare pieces...you'll be glad you did.
Top of Vigan Philippines
Back to Ilocos Sur Philippines Guide
Back to Select Philippines Travel and Business Guide
