The Town of Vigan

Vigan is an island, which used to be detached from the mainland by three rivers - the great Abra River, the Mestizo River and the Govantes River. It is unique among the Philippine towns because it is the country’s most extensive and only surviving historic city that dates back to the 16th century Spanish colonial period.

It is famous for its authentic Spanish-era homes lining the restored cobblestone streets. Thankfully, this heritage gem has survived World War II and the onslaught of natural calamities.

During World War II, as story has it, the Japanese Military commander Captain Fujiro Takahashi asked the help of Fr. Joseph Kleikamp to take care of his Filipina wife and child in exchange for not burning the town when the Japanese forces retreated. When the Japanese left, the people of Vigan spread an oversized American flag in the plaza to avoid being bombed by the Americans.

Jeepneys  and tricycles are the mode of transportation, caritela and kalesa are found and used, the town has been registered with the UNESCO as World Heritage Site.  Vigan is also known for its own local food “longanisa”.




Listed are 10 things to do in Vigan:

1. Take a calesa ride through the Mestizo District.
2. Visit and shop for Abel Iloco in Barangay Camangaan.
3. Take a quiet break over Vigan Empanadas amidst lush greenery at the Hidden Garden.
4. Do a biking tour (Vigan-Bantay)
5. Go Museum Hopping (Crisologo Museum, Burgos Museum, Syquia and Quema Houses).
6. Take home Vigan Longganiza.
7. Check out the churches of Bantay, Santa Maria and St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
8. Try your hands in making your own burnay at the Paburnayan.
9. Take pictures! Ilocos is an awesome place for photography. So pack that camera and extra memory sticks and head out to Ilocos Sur!
10.Check out the churches of Bantay, Santa Maria and St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral.