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Vigan Tour
Vigan Ancestral Houses
The Vigan ancestral houses were built by Chinese taipans who made fortunes out of indigo dye, abel fabrics, gold, tobacco and other export items. The massive brick and plaster houses with red tiled roofs and imposing doorways, grand staircases, broad narra floorboards and piedra china, sliding capiz windows and ventanillas and cool azotea reflect the artistic and technological craftsmanship of the 18th and 19th century native artisans who developed an architectural style adapted to the earthquake-prone tropics.
St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral was build by the Augustinians 1790-1800 in distinctive "Earthquake Baroque" architecture. It has three naives , twelve altars and a choir loft. Chinese influence is evident in its baptistry altar, China-forged brass communion handrails, a pair of Fu Dogs and moldings on the facade. Most of the original church interior features and artifacts are still in place. The octagonal church belfry is located 15 meters south of the cathedral.
Arzobizpado
Completed in1783, the arzobizpado is the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia. The only surviving 18th century arzobizpado in the country, the palace served as the headquarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 and the invading American forces under Col. James parker in 1899. Its Museo Nueva Segovia showcases ecclesiastical artifacts, antique portraits of bishops, a throne room, archdiocesan archives and other religious paraphernalia gathered from various colonial churches all over Ilocos Sur.
Plaza Salcedo
The elevated elliptical plaza west of the cathedral features the 17th century Juan de Salcedo Monument, the oldest of its kind in northern Luzon. It was in Plaza Salcedo where Gabriela Silang was executed by public hanging in 1763.
Plaza Burgos
The
other major plaza of historic Vigan, Plaza Burgos is flanked by the the
cathedral and the old "seminario" (which burned down in 1968).
Its ambiance and the presence of kiosks offering local delicacies make Plaza
Burgos a favorite promenade for local folks and visitors alike. It is
a landmark tribute to the Vigan martyr priest, Father Jose P. Burgos. On the
east end of the Plaza is the newly renovated, large stage where important events
are held. The Plaza has an adequate and attractive lighting system, clean
surroundings and mini Children’s Park. At the northwestern portion stands the
century-old Bell Tower of Vigan Cathedral. The plaza’s special attraction are
the "empanada" stands which are situated at its premises in the
afternoon up to late evening.
The Ayala Museum
Formerly the home of Father Jose
Burgos. The ground floor houses the Ethnological and Historical exhibits such as
Ethnic Artifacts, weapons, kitchen utensils, basketry, wooden sugar milling
equipment, rig (horse-drawn vehicle) or locally called "calesa",
Burgos Memorabilia, tridimensional dioramas showing two important events in the
colonial history of Ilocos Sur, and a mini library. Upstairs are original
furnishings, pottery, religious and secular arts, and period jewelry and
costumes. Beside the museum is the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail, where the late
Pres. Elpidio Quirino, the first Ilocano President, was born particularly at the
Warden’s Office.
Syquia Mansion
The ancestral home of Dona Alicia Quirino, the Syquia mansion was a venue of official and public functions during the administration of the late Pres. Elpidio Quirino. Soon to be a museum, it will feature an impressive collection of presidential memorabilia.
Crisologo Museum
The Crisologo Museum contains the memorabilia and antique collection of the Crisologo family.
Leona Florentino House
Leona Florentino, mother of local hero Isabelo delos Reyes, was the first Filipina poetess to gain international recognition. The Floretino house has been designated as the Provincial Tourism Center and administrative building of the Vigan Heritage Commission. Her monument is in a triangular park across the street.
Vigan Tourist Park (Mira Hills)
Situated in Barangay Pagburnayan and just a stone throw away from the burnay jar factories is the Mira Hills Park, the municipal ecological park. A cylindrical water reservoir at the peak of the hill has provided tap water to poblacion residents since the American period.
Mindoro Beach Resort
A community-based beach resort, this is an ideal place for sea lovers. Picnic sheds, well-maintained toilets and overnight accommodation are available for budget tourists.