A renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan is located approximately 400 kilometers from the country’s capital: Manila. Vigan itself is the capital city of Ilocos Sur which is lying at the west coast of northern Luzon. Vigan stands out as it is the best example of Spanish architecture throughout the country. The city boasts of well-preserved houses testifying to Spain’s more or less three hundred years of rule on the country. Around the city are several museums concerned with the different National Heroes of the country born in the area – a perfect setting for time travel. The word “Vigan” originates from the word “Biga” a large plant with edible roots that strives mostly on the coasts of the Mestizo River. Some of the specific places to see in the city are the Old Vigan Colonial Houses, Palacio de Arzobispado, Burgos National Museum and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The Old Vigan Colonial Houses stretches along the side of Calle Crisologo with more or less a hundred in number. The spans of houses are adorned with tile roofs, the walls built with thick brick especially made to last through the years.

Palacio de Arzobispado, the official residence of the Archibishop of Nueva Segovia was also the main office General Emilio Aguinaldo.

The Burgos National Museum is home to some of Esteban Villanueva’s best work. Originally, the museum building was the ancestral house of Padre Jose Burgos. Now, it is a site of various dioramas depicting the historical events of the country.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral, with its 12 altars, the Baroque cathedral is one of the must see architectural site in Vigan. The massive building itself is a cause for wonder, not to mention its bell tower.

An Information Center for tourists is situated in the city so you can be sure of visiting all the important facets of the time capsule that is Vigan.

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