Vigan Cathedral
On a trip to Vigan, Ilocus Sur, many visitors appreciate the stunning architecture of large churches known as cathedrals. Cathedrals were far larger than castles symbolic of their huge importance to medieval society where religion dominated the lives of all. The church is predominantly in Earthquake Baroque style with large buttresses on its side. It also has Neo-Gothic, Romanesque and Chinese inspired embellishments. In its interior are silver-paneled main altar, three naves, 12 minor altars and brass communion handrails. South of the cathedral is a separate 25 metres bell tower with a weather rooster on top, which symbolizes Saint Peter. The only remaining Archbishop's Palace in the Philippines built during the Spanish colonization is located in Vigan, beside the cathedral. The church also contains remains of former bishops of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia, as well as the remains of Ilocano poet Leona Florentino.
Vigan Cathedral enjoys two kinds of seasons, the dry season from November to April and the wet season from May to October. It is recommended that travelers visit during dry season, especially from December to February when temperatures are much cooler and touring will most likely not be interrupted by rains. Another thing to consider when deciding on the date for your Vigan tour is the schedule of festivities. A visit during the Christmas holidays, New Year’s, Vigan City Festival, Holy Week and Viva Vigan celebrations are recommended. The view of the cathedral is so religious but in front of it is a Rizal statue at the middle of a wide fountain. The left side of the church has an old-fashioned hotel and the right side has a mcdonalds, watsons and other establishments that has an old-fashioned design too. I like how they preserve the old-fashion design from the Spain who was invaded us before. We travel to Vigan, Ilocos Sur to see and appreciate the beauty of the cathedral. This is my first time to travel far away from my home town and see famous establishment in other place here in the Philippines. This cathedral is near by the high way so you can arrived easily specially to the people who are traveling so they can attend church and pray before go anywhere. For your tour around Vigan, bring a foldable umbrella, a fan and a water bottle in your bags. Though information over the web will arm you well for your visit, a stop at the Tourist Center is a must if you want to make sure that you have all the information that you need. It is located at the entrance of Calle Crisologo, beside the Heritage Village. The best advice to visitors is to take a calesa ride when touring the UNESCO Heritage Village and nearby sights. The rate is Php 150 per hour. You can decide on the places you want to visit from the map you’ve secured. Inform the driver about it before the start of the calesa ride. The calesa can accommodate up to four adults. Remember that there are calesas accredited by the Department of Tourism. If you want to try the tricycle to transport you to farther tourist sites, it is recommended that the fare cost be determined before you hop in. You can haggle on the quoted price. Visitors are also advised to bring small bills and change because drivers don’t usually have enough change. You might end up paying more than the agreed price because you only have big bills. You can also arrange for tricycles to pick you up at an appointed time. Haggling is the norm when shopping in Vigan, so don’t be shy to do so. The locals can converse in english and though their manner of speaking might come on too strong, this is normally how they speak. Vigan Cathedral, canonically known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. When Juan de Salcedo came to Vigan, he renamed the town to Villa Fernandina in honor of the young son of King Philip II. Upon the orders of Salcedo in 1574, the first temporary church of Vigan was built out of wood and thatch. It became the first parish in Northern Luzon. The Franciscans then came to Ilocos with Father Sebastian de Baesa as priest of Vigan. Father Gabriel dela Cruz became the first secular priest of Vigan until 1598. When the Augustinians returned to Ilocos in 1586, they also handled Vigan alternately with the secular clergy. On February 14, 1622, Vigan was officially transferred from the Augustinians to the secular. The first church was built in 1641 and was damaged by earthquake in 1619 and 1627. A third church was burned in 1739. With the transfer of the seat of the Diocese, the church of Vigan became a cathedral on that same year. The fourth and present-day church was built from 1790 to 1800 under the Augustinians.
Complete your vacation in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur with prayers and full of blessings in Vigan Cathedral; captured every moment and treasure all the memories you have with your friends and family.
