Vigan and its Ancestral Houses

About 400 kilometers from Manila is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. It is the capital city of Ilocos Sur located on the west coast of northern Luzon. One can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout the center of the city. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia with a unique European atmosphere. Several museums exist for the many national heroes that were born here. Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines. The name Vigan was derived from "Biga", a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River.

Vigan- a town famous for its segments of brick pavements and ornately centuries old edifices contsructed during the Spanish period. It fortunately survived from the devastating world war and was later proclaimed a destination for historic trips. The center of attraction is the street of Crisologo displaying a mix of original and imitated Filipino antiques and Chinese classic cabinets available for sale.

Ayala Museum - A classic house originally belonged to one of the three Filipino priests slained by the Spaniards in the early uprising of the nation against Spain. The house is filled with detailed journals regarding the Spanish early colonization, artworks and relics of the house own historic evolution.

Burnay Wares of RG Pottery - Pottery made out of local supple clay mixed by a Carabao walking on it. The created jars are then processed in ancient method and sold as exclusive items through out the country.

The National Museum - Displays artifacts and documents of Vigan’s historic past.

Mestizo District- popularly known as "kasanglayan" meaning where the Chinese live, is Vigan’s famous oldest town- where ancestral homes and authentic European designed houses have been built.

If planning to go for a nostalgic day tour, a horse-drawn carriage is a great option. Some museums of Spanish relics, churches and monuments are just within the vicinity. Old houses are rented for accommodations and some were transformed into restaurants and bars. A good time to visit Vigan is during the town fiesta. Celebrated for one whole week, concluding on January 25 to commemorate the conversion of the apostle, St. Paul. The fiesta is marked by street parades, beauty contest and variety shows on the town plaza.

Popular Hotels in Vigan:

Grandpa's Inn
Villa Angela Heritage House
RF Aniceto Mansion
Vigan Plaza Hotel
Hotel Salcedo De Vigan
Gordion Hotel
Cordillera Inn
Cordillera Inn, Mena Crisologo St.
Villa Angela Heritage House, Quirino Blvd
R.F. Aniceto Mansion, Mena Crisologo St.
Ferdinandina Hotel, Mabini St.
Gordion Inn, Salcedo St.
El-Juliana Hotel, Liberation Ave.
Grandpa’s Inn, Mabini St.
Vigan Plaza Hotel, Mena Crisologo St.
Vigan heritage Mansion, Liberation Bvd.
Vigan Hotel, Burgos St.

Possible ways to go to Vigan:

To go to Vigan City from Manila, you can get a bus or take a plane to Laoag City and take a bus ride to Vigan.
PAL (Philippine Airlines) flies to Laoag City 3 times a week. Laoag, 80 kilometers away from Vigan takes about 1½ hours to commute.