Photo from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigan
The City of Vigan is the capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur. It is
a World Heritage Site famous of its cobblestone street, Oriental
building designs with European architecture influence.
How the City got its name?
The area of the City was originally a settlement of Chinese traders.
During the Spanish Era, the Chinese called the area as Bee Gan which
means Beautiful Shore. But the Spanish Conquistador spelled the
Chinese name to Vigan.
A more common story says that the name of the city came from a plant
growing abundantly along the river banks, called Biga'a. The locals
misunderstood the Spanish captain Juan de Salcedo, they thought he
was asking for the plants name. It is where the captain derived the
city's name.
Other Names of the City
During its Spanish Foundation it was called Villa Fernandina meaning
Town of Ferdinand, in honor of the firstborn son of King Philip II of
Spain, Prince Ferdinand.
When the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia was transferred to
Vigan, it was renamed to Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan or Ferdinand's
City of Vigan.
World Heritage Site
Vigan City was listed, as the best preserved example of Spanish
colonial towns in Asia, by UNESCO in 2007. Its unique architecture was
influenced by different cultures from the Philippines, China and S
Location
Vigan is located 408 km north of Manila. 139km away from the regional
capital, San Fernando, La Union. And 45 km away from Laoag City.
Photo from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigan
Tourist Destinations in the City
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral or Vigan Cathedral. It houses a
replica of the Miraculous Sto. Cristo.
Archbishop's Residence. The Archbishop's Palace was completed in
- It has a collection of artifacts and relics from other churches
in Ilocos.
Fr. Jose Burgos Residence. The birthplace of Fr. Burgos, one of the
martyred Filipino priests. Located behind the Provincial Capitol.
Plaza Burgos. Located beside the Vigan Cathedral. It is dedicated in
memory of Fr. Jose Burgos.
Pagburnayan. It is the place where the famous Ilocano jar called
burnay are manufactured. Tourist can watch the pre-historic method of
making burnay. Burnay is used to store vinegar, local wine ane
fermented fish sauce.
Baluarte. It is a zoo and a great venue for events like seminars and
conferences. It is owned by the former Governor Chavit Singson.
Hidden Garden. It is a place where clay products like bricks and pots
are manufactured. A great place to appreciate Mother Nature's gift.
Vigan Empanadaan. It is where food stalls are located for empanada and
sinanglao. Sinanglao is the city's traditional hotpot made of beef
innards. Located near Plaza Burgos.
Plaza Salcedo. Erected in front of the Vigan Cathedral, in memory of
the great conquistador Juan de Salcedo. It's where Gabriela Silang was
hung in 1763 as well.
Vigan Dancing Fountain. It is one of the greatest attractions in the
city. It's the first of its kinds in the country. It is located at
the Plaza Salcedo Lagoon. It is best to visit the fountain at night.
yquia Mansion. The former president, Elpidio Quirino's residence in Vigan.
Crisologo Museum. It is a Vigan ancestral house, which was the
residence of the Crisologo family.
Mindoro Beach. It is the only seafront location in the city.
Vigan Heritage Village or the Mestizo District. It is where Vigan
City is most famous of, a street lined with Spanish ancestral houses
and cobble stoned streets, which includee Vigan City in the UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Souvenir shops are available along the street as well, making it
convenient for tourist to find some items exclusively made in Vigan.
A calesa ride will complete the experience within the heritage
village. Calesa is a horse-drawn carriage.