Tarabitab- All About Ilocos, Pangasinan and Baguio City Philippines

8 Must See Attractions in Vigan City

August 26th, 2010 | Author: Tarabitab

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur is a historical place in Ilocos Philippines. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. If you plan to visit this place, here is a list of must see attractions:

Calle Crisologo

Kamestizoan District in Vigan is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.

Calle Crisologo brings back the old Spanish atmosphere starting with the cobblestone streets, the gorgeous backdrop of the old houses against the shadows of each houses, and of course the the clacking noise of horse driven carriage, kalesa.

This is the most photographed site in the city. They say, you have never been to Vigan, unless you walked through this street and posed for all the world to see.

Baluarte

Come and play with the animals! Be one of them roaring and whistling, indulging in the joys of the moment, you are in Baluarte, the only one of its kind in the country. Not just a zoo, Baluarte is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens.

It dedicated to facilitating education, conservation and protection of endangered species and wildlife. Children and those who are young at heart will rediscover life amongst the animals in unique and entertaining ways specifically through first-hand experience. This is located at Brgy. Tamag, Vigan City.

Hidden Garden

This garden is owned by Mr, Francis Flores, a retired Engineer who used plants and flowers for his therapy.

Now, a wonderland of greenery, with a mini-snack bar, souvenir shop and coffee shop nestled somewhere in the middle for a complete oasis in the North’s Garden of Eden. This is located at Brgy. Bulala, Vigan City.

Semana Santa

St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral is the venue of religious rites during the Holy Week. The Good Friday procession features decorated carrozas bearing life-size statues of Spanish vintage. On Easter Sunday, the dawn celebration depicting the Resurrection of Christ, called “Sabet,” is a scene to behold.

Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul

The massive structure was built by the Augustinians in the distinctive Ilocano earthquake-baroque architecture. The cathedral is the setting of many religious festivities attended by devotees from outside the province.

Pagburnayan

The burnay is an earthenware jar crafted by a potter’s hands with the aid of a potter’s wheel. It uses fine sand (anay) as a tempering material and fired at a high temperature in a huge brick-and-clay ground kiln that makes it is harder and more durable than other terra cotta. The local bagoong (fish sauce), sugarcane vinegar and basi wine would not taste as good if not fermented in stoneware burnay jars. This is located in Brgy. Pagburnayan, Vigan City.

Simbaan a Bassit

Simbaan a Bassit which means small church is actually a cemetery chapel. The only one in the region to have an “espadaña hung with bells.” A statue of the crucified Christ is found behind the main altar or the Apo Lakay of the City. This located in Quezon Ave, Liberation Blvd.

UNESCO World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day

As part of UNESCO World Heritage Cities, Vigan celebrates its unity with the world through commemorating on old traditions, customs and arts still present today.

One of the highlights of this festival is the Repazzo de Vigan, an interactive street pageantry performed by competing clusters of schools and barangays. Other events like Dallot, Choral Competition, Vocal Duet, Folk Dance and Zarsuela are also competed in the Cultural Festival of the said event. This is held every 8th of September.

For other tourist destinations in Ilocos Region, you can check Ilocos Tour Guide.

(Souce: www.vigancity.gov.ph)

Special Ilocos Package Tour Offers Here!

Be the first one to know? Just fill up the fields below. Your email will not be shared to anyone.