VIGAN CITY: The Heritage City of the North
Located on the western coast of Luzon, about 400 kilometers from the city of Manila, is the Unesco World Heritage City of Vigan. It is the capital of Ilocos Sur and where you can find the most intact model of a Spanish colonial town in Asia with a distinct European atmosphere. Built it the 16th century, the town is famous for its cobblestone streets and unique architecture.
One of the very first Spanish settlements in the country, Vigan was founded by Juan de Salcedo who arrived by way of what is now called Pagpartian through the Mestizo river. He noticed a growth of lush green plants along the riverbanks and asked the locals what they were called. He found out that these plants were the biga’a where he derived the name Vigan.
It became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and at the time of the founding is named Villa Fernandina, in honor of King Ferdinand. As the city grew it is also expected that some changes occur. The town was later named Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan.
There are several museums found in Vigan. Most of them are dedicated to the national heroes who were born in the town. Some of the old houses that line up the cobblestone streets have been turned into cozy inns and souvenir shops.
Source: wowparadisephilippines
I always dream of going to Vigan, and it's the mere reason why I decided to join my college friends in their vacation in Ilocos Sur. Like I would always say "OLD and Historical places thrills me!" and I would not let the opportunity of visiting Vigan pass away. As soon as I set foot on the old streets of Vigan, I knew that I was somehow part of its rich history. HAHA Cath was here, SO GAY! lol Nostalgia bleeps here and there. I didn't know what to do, to keep on shooting for pictures or just enjoy the fact that I was really there. And so I didn't took so many shots and end up buying souvenirs and exploring. I also got to taste the FAMOUS "VIGAN EMPANADA" if only it would not spoil I will bring as many as I can back in Manila. Also bought a shirt, bagnet, ref. magnet, VIGAN LONGANISSA and mini yummy bibingkas.Chichacorn, Mini Sibuyas, Chunky tomatoes and Green Grapes from Ervin's Tita, her home is where we stayed for 3 days.
She's so hospitable, in fact the whole family. They even evacuated from their rooms so we can stay. So it's our last day, and so we ate dinner and the whole Family accompanied us while waiting for a Partas bus. And then we bid our farewells. It was so nice that one of Ervin's cousin gave me a stone that has Vigan City on it and it was on the candy wrapper. He said that it was to serve as a reminder of the place and the people. It was a really nice vacation. I hope to come back.
And the next time I go to Vigan, I will see it on Daylight. :DDD
I'll be posting some of our pictures courtesy of Ervin and Issan. :D
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