Ilocos Sur - Re-visiting the Heritage City of Vigan

Since the town of Bantay is just outside the Historic Heritage City of Vigan, we decided to just walk towards the town square. This leisurely walk brings back memories when I first set foot in Vigan, in 2004. It was a quick trip with my cousins, a time when analog cameras were still widely used and cellphone camera's resolution was only VGA. Hahaha! I'm happy to be back in Vigan, the capital City of the Province of Ilocos Sur known to be the only heritage city in the country.

We passed by the arch that welcomes us to Vigan. Then we walked farther until we reached the Ilocos Sur Capitol Building. Since it's not my first time here, I already knew where to go.

The Heritage City of Vigan is considered as one of the best-preserved examples of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia which dates back to the 16th century colonial period. Due to its cultural significance, it was inscribed at the UNESCO World Heritage List of Sites and Monuments in 1999. We visited Plaza Burgos and the colossal Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral (Vigan Cathedral) before we proceeded to Calle Crisologo.

Photo by Marvin

I'm just so happy that we were here at around 5:00 PM as we could take photos on daylight as well as night time. We roamed around and took advantage of the remaining sunlight to take photos. I just love the cobblestone streets and the unique architecture with the fusion of both Asian and European building designs and colonial architecture that Vigan posses. It kinda brings me back to the olden days.

A TASTE OF VIGAN EMPANADA

Then we grabbed some snacks of Vigan Empanada at a nearby empanadahan along Calle Crisologo. Empanada is one of Vigan's delicacies, it has a very thin crust and filled with grated green papaya, mongo sprouts, and egg. It is best eaten while its hot to fully enjoy the crispiness of the crust. You should not leave Vigan without having one. Each Empanada costs 50-60 pesos.

Until our friend who lives in Vigan arrived and joined us in our snacks/early dinner.

Photos by Marvin

The historic town of Vigan is stunningly beautiful at night. We walked around the town to take photos of the old houses. They were lovely! The alluring yellow glimmer from the lampposts brought us deeper into the past.

There are other tourist spots that are worth visiting in Vigan, there's Crisologo Museum, Syquia Mansion, Burgos Museum, Museo San Pablo, Museo Nueva, Camarin (Jar Factory) and Chavit Singson's Baluarte. You might want to also check them out when you visit Vigan soon.

I commend the City of Vigan for exerting their best efforts in preserving this heritage town. I had a great time re-visiting the Heritage City of Vigan!

HOW TO GET TO VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR
From Manila, there are buses that will take you directly to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Travel time is about 7-8 hours, fare is around 400 - 500 pesos.

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.

This trip happened on May 26, 2012 during my 3-day trip in Northern Luzon. ABRA Walking Tour Around the Town of Bangued Visiting the Not So Well-known Town of Tayum Calaba Bridge, a Dream Come True to the People of Abra ILOCOS SUR Santa Maria Church, A UNESCO World Heritage Site Visiting Bantay Church and Bell Tower Re-visiting the Heritage City of Vigan APAYAO Finding Spanish Church Ruins of Pudtol ILOCOS NORTE Surfing in Pagudpud's Blue Lagoon