Juan de Salcedo discovered Ilocos Sur in 1572 and decided to establish his headquarters in a settlement along the Mestizo River, then named “Kabigaan” because of the “gabi” like plants abundantly growing by the bank of the river, eventually named Vigan. Vigan also became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and was called “Ciudad Fernandina” in honor of King Ferdinand. Vigan remains to be the capital city of Ilocos Sur and is recognized by UNESCO for Best Practice in World Heritage Site Management.



Vigan is one of the finalist of the New 7 Wonders for 2014 and it is proud of the following tourist attractions:

National Museum - Padre Burgos House: Martyr-priest Jose Burgos as well as Ilocano artifacts and ethnic arts of the Tinggians are found here. It houses the 14 Esteban Pichay Villanueva canvasses depicting the 1807 Basi Revolt. The museum is open from Monday to Friday and by appointment on weekends and holidays. Museum hours is 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. then 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.



Crisologo Museum: Located along delos Reyes Street in Vigan, the museum houses the memorabilia of the late Congressman Floro Crisologo and original furnishings of a typical Vigan ancestral house. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday and managed by the Crisologo family.



Ancestral Houses: Kamestizoan District in Vigan is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.



Archbishop’s Palace: The palace features sliding capiz windows and cut-out decorations with floral motiffs. Completed in 1793 after a span of 7 years, the palace has a collection of priceless ecclesiastical artifacts and relics from other Ilocos churches. Visits can be arranged from MWF 8-12, 1-4 and on TTHS 8-12, 1-5. The only surviving 18th century arzobispado in the country; served as headquarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1889 and the invading American forces under Col. James Parker in 1899; the official residence of the archbishop of Nueva Segovia.



Pagburnayan: The Ilocano jar called “burnay” used for storing the local vinegar and as a decorative is produced in factories using the pre-historic method in the southwestern end of Liberation Avenue in Vigan.



Pag-Abelan: The “abel” is one of the oldest traditional craft of the ilocanos. Products are blankets, table runners & napkins, towels, bags etc. One can see weaving done in barangays Camangaan, Beddeng Dauya, Mindoro, San Pedro and Cabaroan Daya.



Museo San Pablo: Religious relics/antiques are displayed. It is located at the back of the St. Paul’s Cathedral. The first & only museum in the region committed to conservation through a distinct faith-culture approach.



Syquia Mansion: Houses the memorabilia of Pres. Elpidio Quirino. Open from Wednesdays to Mondays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.



St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan: The massive structure was built by the Augustinians in the distinctive Ilocano earthquake baroque architecture was riginally built in 1574 by Juan de Salcedo. The cathedral is the setting of many religious festivities attended by devotees from outside the province. The three tiered façade shows chinese influence such as carvings of dogs placed near statues.



Baluarte: Residence of Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.  Fetures an interactive Mini Zoo, Skeet Shooting Range, Butterfly Garden, Pony Rides and a Function Halls.



Plaza Salcedo: Located west of St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral is this elevated elliptical plaza highlighting the Salcedo Monument, known to be the oldest in Northern Luzon. It’s where Gabriela Silang was executed by public hanging in 1763.



Plaza Burgos: Another plaza in Vigan named in honor of the Ilocano-martyr priest Father Jose Burgos. Nearby are food stalls selling native delicacies such as the “empanada & ukoy.”



Fil-Hispanic Friendship Park (MIRA HILLS). Features a children’s museum, open ampitheater, water tank, picnic sheds and swimming pools surrounded by trees giving it a shady and cool ambience.



Hidden Garden: A privately owned landscaped orchard & backyard where one can go around and be close to nature.



Materials Recovery Facility Plant: A state of the art garbage management system/landfill where students and other interested individuals or groups go to observe proper waste disposal. Features a sunflower farm.



River Cruise: An hour cruise along Mestizo river via banca with an audio interpretation passing thru dioramas about the history of Vigan.



Viva Vigan Festival Of The Arts: Every first week of May, Vigan plays host to visitors for this festival featuring a colorful binatbatan street dancing, painting and product exhibits, a Calesa parade and other cultural activities include comedia, ramada games, karbo festival, religious rituals, Santa Cruzan, “abel” fashion show, exhibits/trade/food fairs.



Longaniza Festival: Vigan City Jan. 25. The Vigan City Fiesta features a street dancing competition in longaniza inspired costumes followed by a program. Highlight is the feast of the conversion of St. Paul, its patron.



World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day: As the only heritage city in the Philippines, Vigan celebrates this every 8th day of September highlighted by events such as: Vigan history telling contest, ancestral house & museum visits, food fair, photography contest/exhibit and cultural shows.



Several old houses were turned into standard class hotels, dining, entertainment areas and living museums. The city is accessible by air via the Laoag International Airport and by land thru several bus lines from Manila.



Calle Crisologo: The street is cobble-stoned lined with stone-built houses.



The lower storey is surmounted by a timber-framed upper storey with a steeply pitched tiled roof (reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture). The exterior walls of the upper storey are enclosed by window panels of kapis shells framed in wood which can be slid back for better ventilation.



The Chinese merchants and traders conducted their business from offices and warehouses on the ground floors of their houses, with the living quarters above. Tourists can buy souvenirs, eat and ride a calesa (horse-drawn buggy). This area is also known as the Vigan Heritage Village. — SG