Calle Crisologo and Walking Tour of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

It was my second day in the Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur.

Having just arrived from a short side trip to the Santa Maria Church, I had the afternoon to have my tour of Vigan.

There were a couple of options to go at it. I could go on the touristy calesa (horse drawn carriage) ride around town or join a guided tour group.

Since I wanted to go on my own pace, I went on my own walking tour. Most of the old houses and structures in Vigan were comfortably within walking distance.

Started in Calle Crisologo and wandered around the city. Went into whatever alleyway looked interesting.

Of course, I did keep a list of interesting places I jotted down earlier so I wouldn’t miss anything.

Calle Crisologo street sign

Calle Crisologo

Statue of Leona Florentina, Mother of Philippine Women’s Literature

2:30pm at Calle Crisologo.

Took a photo of this map and glanced at the camera LCD throughout the walking tour as a guide.

Outside Calle Crisologo

Strayed out of Calle Crisologo and followed interesting subjects to photograph.

Love the antique feel 

Tried Irene’s Empanada. Their special empanada costs P35. Much tastier than the ones I tried at the Empanadaan at Plaza Burgos

Syquia Mansion

Bistro Amarillo

Cool ride

Casa Caridad circa 1872

Vigan Nan Chong School

Grandpa’s Inn

Cafe Uno at Grandpas Inn

Late Lunch at Cafe Uno

Gave in to the online rave and had late lunch at Cafe Uno. Tried out the local food. Pricey but so worth it. The food was delicious.

Cafe Uno was a nice place to take a food break while exploring Vigan.

Bagnet (P160).

Vigan Longganisa (P80). Probably not Cafe Uno’s making but I wasn’t a big fan of the strong garlic flavor.

Commercial buildings near Plaza Burgos

Plaza Maestro

Closest thing to a mall in Vigan

Transfer of Nueva Segovia Marker

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Nueva Segovia together with Cebu and Nueva Caceres is the second oldest diocese in the Philippines.

This marker commemorates the transfer of the seat of Nueva Segovia from Lal-lo, Cagayan and the birth of the City of Vigan two centruries and a half ago.

marker reads: “From 1595 to 1758, the Bishops of Nueva Segovia in Lal-lo, Cagayan stayed in Vigan because of the condition of Lal-lo at that time. Malaria was endemic to the place and was flooded during the rainy season. The Cagayan River was eroding and destroying the site of the Diocese.

Vigan, during the same period, was a flourishing Spanish settlement. It was fast developing into the center of Spanish influence and politico-economic power in the North. By virtue of the Royal Decree of September 7, 1758 issued by King Fernando VI, King of Spain, the Seat of Nueva Segovia was transferred and Cuidad Fernandina de Vigan was established.

It became the nucleus of religious, economic, political, social, and commercial, and cultural activities in North Philippines.

Vigan City Hall

UNESCO World Heritage Marker

The Historic Town of Vigan was inscribed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites with this description: “Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.”

Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol

Father Jose Burgos Birthplace

marker reads: “At this place, Town of Vigan, Capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur, Jose Apolonio Burgos, priest and martyr was born February 9, 1837. His parents were Jose Burgos, an army lieutenant, and Dona Florencia Garcia. Father Burgos was graduated from the University of Santo Tomas and help very positions in the Cathedral of Manila. Throughout his ecclesiastical career he was a staunch advocate of the uplift of the secular clergy. He was executed in Bagumbayan field February 17, 1872, together with the Rev. Mariano Gomez and the Rev. Jacinto Zamora, for supposed implication in the military revolt of Cavite January 20, 1872.”

MartOne Commercial Building

Plaza Salcedo

Abandoned building in Downtown Vigan

Simbahan a Bassit Cemetery 

Crisologo Museum

Bibingka sold at the sidestreet near Crisologo Museum. Really yummy. Best one I’ve tried in Vigan

Calle Crisologo During Sunset (Part 2)

still lots of tourists

worm view

Calle Crisologo at Dusk (Part 2)

Vigan Cathedral at Night

Last Glimpse of Vigan

Wasn’t able to wake up at dawn … again :( By 10am, I was already packed up to go.

Still wanted to stay longer in Vigan, even for just one more night, but I needed to move on to my next destination, Baguio.

This was my last glimpse of Calle Crisologo. It was so hard to part ways with this beautiful sight.

In the famous words of Gen. Douglas McArthur, I shall return!