The city of Vigan is located on the west coast of the Philippine island of Luzon. It is the capital of the island province of Ilocos Sur. The population is a little more than 9,000 people. Here was born the 6th president of the Philippines Elpidio Quirino.
The city is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites due to the numerous buildings preserved from Spanish colonial times. Vigan is famous for its cobblestone streets and unique architecture that combines elements of traditional Filipino and colonial European styles.
There was once a settlement of traders in what is now Vigan, coming to the Philippines from Fujian Province of China. They called this place "Bi Gang," meaning "beautiful shore." Hence the modern name of the city. To this day, there are many families with a mixture of Chinese and and Spanish roots.
During the Spanish colony, the town was officially called Villa Fernandina, in honour of Prince Ferdinand, the firstborn son of King Philip II of Spain, who died at the age of 4. Vigan is considered a unique Filipino city because it is one of the few cities that has preserved its historical heritage from the 16th century.
Among Vigan's most impressive buildings is the St Paul's Cathedral, where the great Ilocano poetess Leona Florentino is buried. It also a replica of the statue of Santo Cristo Malagroso is kept here. Next to the cathedral is the The Archbishop's Residence, the only one still in use, dating back to the Spanish colony. during the Spanish colonial period. In front of the cathedral is the Plaza Salcedo, named after the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo. And just behind the cathedral - Plaza Burgos, dedicated to the memory of the Filipino martyr Jose Burgos. On the western side of the square is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vigan - the Vigan Empanadaan cafe, where you can try the famous empanadas - Spanish empanadas, and sinanglao - a traditional roast beef innards.
In the Pagburnayan area you can see how Vigan's famous burnay jars are made. For a nature experience, it's worth travelling to the Baluarte mini-zoo, where you can see tigers, or the Secret Garden, a marvellous park with a small cafe, tucked away in the thicket of trees.
Finally, a walk down the most famous street in Mena is a must Crisologo Street - it is this street that has made Wigan world famous, thanks to its cobbled pavement and 16th and 17th century houses. Tourists can buy souvenirs here or take a ride in a caleza, a two-seater horse-drawn carriage with a convertible top.
