One of the main reasons why we visited the Ilocos region was to be able to see historic city of Vigan. This place is listed in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. It would be interesting to see how a world heritage site in the Philippines looks like.
Vigan is the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur found in northern Philippines. This place is noted for its Spanish era buildings and cobblestone streets, most of it was nicely preserved. Even before the Spanish came, Vigan was already a center for trade and commerce. When the Spanish came, the establishment of a military base at present day Vigan only cemented its hold on history.
With a history dating back more than 400 years, Vigan certainly has a lot of stories to tell. For most visitors, the must see place here is Crisologo Street or Calle Crisologo. This street is just beside the Vigan Cathedral and it lined with old houses on both sides. The houses were built with a combination of European design and Philippine aesthetics. As expected, most of the houses here were low rise. Most of them only two stories high.
The old style design of the houses is really appealing, even the McDonald’s at the main plaza also sports “Spanish” architecture. Of course with Ronald McDonald standing outside the store, it would have been difficult to mistake it for the old houses just behind it.
Most of the houses along this street sell something antique. As expected, a lot of these antiques come in the form of religious figures and furniture. It would be interesting to note that, it is forbidden for motorized vehicles to travel along this street. Thus preserving the cobblestone street. The only vehicle allowed to traverse the street are horse drawn carriages called calesas, further amplifying the old school atmosphere of Vigan.
It is really a delight to be walking along this street and just admiring the old houses and how the locals and the government have worked together to preserve this wonderful piece of heritage. Having been to similar “old historic towns” in Asia, like Hoi An and Hue, the town of Vigan lends a more authentic feel to it. And there are no touts who wish to sell you stuff either, unlike in Vietnam. And since this is the Philippines, there are not a lot of foreign tourists here. At least no busloads of noisy foreigners out to ruin your day.
Unfortunately, the street itself isn’t really that long. As one walks further down the street the old Spanish houses get replaced by relatively newer houses, although they still have that same antique design. Actually sometimes you might not even notice that you have already left the historic area.
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