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

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The Santa Maria Church was inscribed six years earlier than Vigan in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

It is grouped together with three other churches under the category of “Baroque Churches in the Philippines.”

Having just seen photos of the Santa Maria Church, I had an impression that it paled in comparison to the San Agustin Church, Miagao Church, and the Paoay Church.

I was definitely curious to see how / why this church got included in UNESCO’s prestigious list.

Santa Maria Plaza with the Santa Maria Church peering out in the background.

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It was my first morning in Vigan. I spent the night at Vigan Hotel, an old Spanish-colonial house turned budget hotel.

Awakened to a bright sunny sky. Normally, I’d be really happy to be greeted by blue skies but I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping to take dawn shots of Calle Crisologo.

I wanted to go there when it was still dark and witness the sunrise slowly light up the houses … complete with the sensory experience of the soft twilight colors and the crowing of roosters and all. Oh well, I still had the next morning to try it.

I planned a full day to explore the heritage structures in Vigan. It all started with a fulfilling breakfast at the Vigan Empanadaan.

Morning view of Vigan Hotel

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It’s the seventh day on my trip across Northern Luzon and I’ve arrived in the World Heritage City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Vigan is one of those places that immediately enters my mind whenever I think about “Traveling in the Philippines.”

It’s the pinnacle of Spanish-colonial heritage tourism in the country. In my opinion, there are grander structures elsewhere but there’s no other place in the Philippines where a considerable part of the city still has its old structures intact.

Walking along the cobblestone streets of Vigan’s Calle Crisologo have long been a dream of mine. A wish come true for me!

Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center, my first stop in Vigan

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