Touring Around the Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Norte

Vigan City is so special for me and considered as one of UNESCO Patrimonio Mundial World Heritage Site. This seal is located infront of Burgos National Musuem & facing at their Municipal Hall which is really quite amazing learning experience at the end of my tour. It was declared as one of the heritage town in 1999. You can also experience touring around the city on a "Kalesa" ranging Php 500 and above depending on the location you want to go & explore. More importantly, the old architecture design during colonial era of Vigan relates the story of Filipino. Be satisfied your eyes on how people of Vigan City maintained this world famous world heritage site. Did you know that during 8th day of September, local government celebrate "World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day" and keeping the wonders & history alive is apparently more fun in Ilocos Region where defines types of natural, cultural & modern architecture.  

 

 

Sightings in Vigan | Father Jose Burgos House - A National Museum

One of the historical old landmark in the heritage city of Vigan. Its consist of collections and memorabilia of Father Burgos like jewelry, clothing, photography of their family and antiques located near the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol. This was the ancestral house of Father Jose Burgos converted to a museum.  During my trip, Unfortunately I wasn't able to go inside because the museum was closed to visitors and this landmark is walking distance from town plaza & church. So, I just taking up photos at the opened window of the museum and proceed to Vigan Cathedral Church. Did you know that Padre Burgos House was built in 1788 and it will just cost you Php 20 pesos entrance fee to see real artifacts showing old Ilocano's way of living.

 

 

Another Attraction in Vigan City | Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol

It's stands at the center of Plaza Salcedo facing Vigan Cathedral Church located at Quezon Avenue, Burgos, Vigan City with nearby tourist attractions like Vigan Musuem, Dancing Fountain, City Hall & Old Houses of Vigan. The whole building is painted with yellow-white color  and perfect for the architecture style of the city. I also noticed the big kamagong tress which known as one of the hardwoods trees in the country located at the side portion of the capitol building. Since its not my very first time here which I already knew where to go.

 

 

Surprisingly Vigan Dancing Fountain of Ilocos Sur

Located in front of Vigan Cathedral Church & at the center of Plaza Salcedo this additional attraction here is a must see attraction. It has a blue clear water during the morning and a light show presentation during the night. It starts every 7:30pm in the evening and last for 30 minutes and it is for free to all tourist while during weekend it doubles its presentation. Your kids will surely love it and fountains are synchronized with it. The area is huge, lots of fountain spouts, the area is clean and colorful lights at night. Anyway, surprisingly world class facilities, well maintained and an absolute favorite for those wishing to visit Vigan City and its probably great display but does feels out of place among the century old cultural townscape.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan City in Ilocos Sur

Also known as to be the "Heritage City of the North" were back to the old ages of Spanish Era. The place was neat and really amazing architecture houses design and great feeling standing on the cobble stones of the street.  I felt that sudden excitement on my 3rd day of Solo Backpacking Trip Up North because this is the place that I am really looking forward to when traveling old heritage landmark. I wish all cities in Metro Manila can have this feel and vibe and it is worth the shot for any camera click addict like me. This was my favorite UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines and truly love this place because it shows how laidback those days I traveled the city of Vigan. I hope that they don't limit putting up more arts, antique pieces and book shop as well.

 

Did you know that Vigan City in Ilocos Sur as one of the finalist for New 7 Wonders Cities of the World. To Vote Vigan for the #New7WondersCities Here's the link: www.n7w.com/en/cities. or you may vote via SMS: Text VIGAN to 29290777. Please vote guys. Thanks

 

 

Where to Buy Pasalubong in Vigan City

The experience was like travelling back in time and I really want to collect antique memorabilia and pasalubong to my family. The streets in callle crisologo is a one stop pasalubong bargain with a reasonable price. This is where all the classic Ilocano favorites can be found in one place  like longganisa, bagnet, chichacorn, bawang Ilocano, vinegar, empanada, bagnet and many more. Look for Quiel's meat shop with the authentic Vigan Longganica & Bagnet and Sag-Sagat Furniture for your additional antique items in affordable price range. I also recommend "Collado Souvenir Shop" for their wide variety of shirts, keychains, ref magnet, malong, wood pieces, home decors, bags and other choice in a reasonable price and the best thing about this is that everything is made from local materials where the bargain hunt makes it more worth it. Every time I traveled to other places in the country I make sure I bought pasalubong to my family which can promote or help locals to their business.