English
French
Spanish
ItalianVigan
Located in the northwest of Luzon Island, Vigan is an unmissable travel destination. The city’s historical center is the main reason why you should add Vigan to your travel list. Vigan has its origins from the time when the Philippines was a Spanish colony. During this period, it was an important trading hub. The colonizing country constructed many beautiful buildings with a Spanish influence, scattered throughout Vigan.
Stepping into the historical center of the city feels like walking into a land of passionate bullfights. The well-maintained classic buildings blend with modern Asian structures, giving the city a unique mix of Asian and European, Eastern and Western charm. This remarkable blend has earned Vigan a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Vigan is an unmissable travel destination
The best time to visit Vigan is from November to March. During this period, the weather is very clear and mild, making it perfect for sightseeing, strolling, and exploring.
It’s important to avoid traveling during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. During this time, unexpected showers can interrupt your self-guided tour of Vigan. The most challenging period is from August to October, when heavy storms can cause landslides or slippery roads in the Philippines. Therefore, be sure to check the weather carefully before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Vigan, Philippines!
There are many ways to get to Vigan from Manila. However, the most common options are by bus, plane, or car.
If you visit Vigan, especially during holidays, make sure to visit the St. Paul Cathedral. Built in 1641 in the distinctive Earthquake Baroque style, the cathedral leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. With a blend of Neo-Gothic architecture and some Asian decorative touches, the cathedral has become a focal point in the historic city of Vigan.
You can admire the Mestizo River, which still embraces the streets of this ancient city. The old prison, once used to hold prisoners during the colonial era, now sits in the middle of the street, almost like a park filled with fragrant flowers and lush green trees.
You can continue your exploration of Vigan by riding in a kalesa, a horse-drawn carriage, a feature of Spanish colonial times. In Vigan, visitors can also enjoy a black sand beach, which is rich in special minerals. The sand is very clean and deep in color. With black sand, blue seas, white clouds, and golden sunshine, you can freely relax in the midst of this stunning scenery.
The charm of its ancient beauty with architectural streets
With over 400 years of history, the beauty of the ancient city of Vigan has naturally been worn down by time. However, on the historic Mestizo Street, known as the soul of Vigan, with its cobblestone streets, central square, and Catholic church, a legend of Spanish architecture in the Philippines has been created.
The city features not only the classic Spanish style but also a blend of many distinct cultural influences, such as Chinese and the native Ilocano culture. In the Mestizo district, Kasanayan (where the Chinese community once lived in the Philippines) is a place you should visit to admire the historical traces left by the Chinese residents centuries ago.
When you step onto Calle Crisologo, a famous street in the ancient city of Vigan, you’ll be able to admire the Spanish-style houses with red roofs, as well as museums like Father Burgos and Crisologo. Not only that, but in this historic city, you might also spot unique architectural elements from the land of Don Quixote along the streets.
With the limitless blend of styles in Vigan, you’ll easily recognize the influence of the indigenous people through window frames made from white seashells, which are interwoven with foreign architectural elements.
The beauty of the ancient city of Vigan has naturally been worn down by time
With the information provided above, we hope you’ve found an exciting travel destination in the Philippines. And don’t forget to send us your request to receive amazing travel packages to the captivating ancient city of Vigan!
