7 Places to Visit in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

     After our visit to Paoay church- a UNESCO world heritage site, my driver drove me to the neighboring town Batac to wait for a bus going to Vigan. He said the road to Vigan would be around 3 hours. While waiting for the bus, I already jot down all of the places he recommended. He said the places are just walking distance from each other. You should just alight to the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol. Here are the 7 places you can visit in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines!

1.) National Museum-Vigan

     This is the branch of the National Museum of the Philippines in Ilocos Sur. It is only behind the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol. Its collections includes the late President Elpidio Quirino’s memorabilia, national hero Padre Jose Burgos’ memorabilia and the Basi cultural artefacts.

2.) Dancing Fountains

    In front of the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol are the dancing fountains. Unfortunately, when I arrived, the fountains are not yet dancing. At night or during Vigan’s big events, the dancing fountains come gracefully with different colorful lights. It is also guarded by two national hero monuments. In front is Elpidio Quirino. At the back is Jose Rizal.

3.) St. Paul Church

     Behind the dancing fountains is the St. Paul Church. I took this chance to pray for all of my dreams and to say thank you for all of the blessings that I have received.

4.) Burgos Plaza

     Beside the St. Paul Church is the Burgos Plaza. The town is the birth place of Jose Burgos, one of the three martyr priests who were guillotined by Spanish colonial authorities on charges of subversion arising from the 1872 Cavite mutiny.

5.) Siquia Mansion

      Siquia Mansion is the house of the late President Elpidio Quirino’s house. It was already closed by 5pm when I arrived. According to my driver, the mansion contains memorabilia of how the rich Filipinos lived during the Spanish Colonial era.

6.) Calle Crisologo

     Calle Crisologo is a major attraction because of the many Spanish centuries-old buildings saved from destruction during the war. The street is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can ride a kalesa for 50php to explore the whole street.

7.) Cafe Leona

     Along Calle Crisologo is the house of Leona Florentino, a famous Ilocana poet, satirist, and playwright during the Spanish period. Her works were translated to different languages but the original copies were destroyed during the Philippine Revolution. Her house was now transformed as a cafe where you can enjoy Cafe Leona pasta (pasta with white sauce and longanisa tid bits).

After my excursions in Laoag, Paoay and Vigan for just a day, I am heading to the Partas bus terminal going to San Juan, La Union (the surf capital of northern Luzon). I am very grateful to you for following me on this adventure.

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