Vigan essentials

Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage site defined by its Spanish colonial architecture and 16th-century urban planning. This collection features the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, the baroque architecture of Saint Paul's Cathedral, and the historic bell tower of Bantay Church. It includes ancestral mansions like the Syquia House and museums dedicated to Ilocano heritage. The list also covers public squares known for evening fountain shows and local culinary staples like Vigan empanada found at the public market.

Vigan Essentials — Map

Reguero87 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Calle Crisologo

A 500-meter stretch of cobblestone street lined with preserved Spanish-era ancestral houses. It serves as the city's historical center, where horse-drawn kalesas are the primary mode of transport.

Obra19 / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Saint Paul's Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of the Conversion of Saint Paul, commonly known as Vigan Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral in Vigan,…

Rosesale / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Bantay Church

The Saint Augustine Parish Church, also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad de Bantay and Bantay Church, is a…

Irvin Parco Sto. Tomas / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Plaza Salcedo

This central square features a monument to Juan de Salcedo and is the site of a nightly musical dancing fountain show. It is flanked by the city's major administrative and religious buildings.

Irvin Parco Sto. Tomas / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Baluarte

An interactive wildlife sanctuary and zoo featuring a safari gallery, a butterfly garden, and various exotic animals. The facility is owned by local politician Chavit Singson.

Oloapsaziracav / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Syquia Mansion of President Elpidio Quirino

The ancestral home of Doña Alicia Syquia, wife of President Elpidio Quirino. The museum displays 19th-century furniture, family portraits, and historical artifacts from the Spanish colonial period.

G

National Museum of the Philippines - Ilocos

Housed in the former provincial jail, this museum is the birthplace of Father Jose Burgos. It exhibits local archaeological finds, ethnographic items, and traditional Ilocano art.

H

Crisologo Museum

A museum dedicated to the life of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo, located in his former residence. It houses personal memorabilia, antique cars, and a collection of religious icons.

Resident pessimist / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Plaza Burgos

A public square dedicated to the martyred priest Father Jose Burgos. It is a known location for sampling traditional Vigan empanadas and other local street foods from various stalls.

Tomjuandc / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Quema House

The Quema House is the ancestral home of the Quema family in the Philippines.

Arius1998 / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Vigan Public Market

A central trade hub where visitors can purchase local delicacies such as Vigan longganisa and bagnet, alongside traditional Abel Ilocos hand-woven textiles and pottery.

Other Lists

Vigan's Historic Landmarks Historic Churches of Vigan Vigan Museums & Heritage