Where to Go: Vigan Tourist Spots

Archbishop Palace & Museum

This is the residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia. In early years it used to be an ecclesiastical court. It also served as General Emilio Aguinaldo’s headquarters in 1898. In 1899, the invading Americans, under Lt. Col. James Parker used the building as a garrison.

The Palace has museum (Museo Nueva Segovia) with a collection of priceless ecclesiastical artifacts and relics from other churches from around the Ilocos region.

Visits can be arranged from Monday to Friday.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral, it is the setting of many religious activities. The massive structure has a Baroque architectural design with neo-Gothic, pseudo-Romanesque and Chinese craftsmanship influences.

Burgos Museum

The museum houses a collection of Father Burgos’ memorabilia and photographs, family antiques and jewelry. It also has Father Burgos’ quarters and a mini library containing his student Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, given to him as a gift.

Visits can be arranged from Tuesday to Saturday.

Bantay Church and Bell Tower (Bantay Belfry)

This tower on a hill gives a 360 degree picturesque view of Vigan. One can go all the way to the top to witness the beautiful view and enjoy the cool wind.

Bantay Church and Bell Tower, Vigan

After a few meters from the belfry is the St. Augustine Church which was built in 1590. The Church has a deep brown, neo-gothic façade.

Pagburnayan (Jar Making Factory)

Burnay is an earthenware jar that dates back to pre-colonial history. It was used then for domestic purposes but it is mostly bought now for decorative purposes.

The burnay is skilfully crafted by the potter’s hands with the use of pottery wheel and kiln. Fine sand is used to temper the clay. Once fashioned into the desired shape, it is placed inside high-temperature ground kilns made from brick and clay.

This can be an interesting and educational stop for families with kids.

Crisologo Museum

The well-maintained museum is managed by the Crisologo family, a prominent political dynasty in Vigan.

On the first floor is the antique calesa, the library and study, where visitors can view the book collection and numerous news clippings about this political family. Inside the house, one can see the various possessions of the family that were used in their everyday lives.

The museum is open throughout the week.

Heritage Village (Mestizo District) / Calle Crisologo

The Heritage Village is a World Heritage site that is famous for its cobblestone streets that have been featured in many postcards, books, magazines and other publications. This street transports you to the Philippine colonial period, especially at night when it is romantically lit with street lights and Calesas pass by.

The street is lined with stores where one can buy various Vigan products to bring home as souvenirs.

Plaza Burgos

Plaza Burgos is the smaller of the two major plazas in the city of Vigan that can be found right beside Saint Paul Cathedral’s Bell Tower. It was built to remember the martyrdom of Father Jose P. Burgos, one of Vigan’s sons executed by the Spaniards.

Leona Florentino House

Leona Florentino, the mother of Isabelo delos Reyes, was the first Filipina to receive international attention as a poet. The house has been designated as the Provincial Tourism Center and administrative building of the Vigan Heritage Commission.

It sits near the main plaza and is among the first of the heritage houses that greet visitors with its old-world charm.

Syquia Mansion

This is the ancestral home of the former first lady Dona Alicia Quirino, the wife of President Elpidio Quirino. It showcases extensive memorabilia of the former president.

Syquia Mansion, Vigan

The Syquia Mansion has huge rooms filled with exquisite and elegant antiques from all over the world. There are huge oil portraits of the family members, some done by national artist Fernando Amorsolo. There is also an antique carriage on display at the ground floor.

Baluarte Mini Zoo

Baluarte ni Singson Mini Zoo, Vigan

The mini zoo has animals from the Philippines and all over the world. The massive property is owned by the former governor Mr. Chavit Singson. There are caged animal viewings, a butterfly garden and a scheduled animal show.