Vigan, Colonial heritage city in Ilocos Sur, Philippines
The Spanish colonial structures of Vigan stretch across 25 square kilometers, featuring stone houses, cobblestone streets, and traditional architecture from the 16th century.
Founded in 1572 by Juan de Salcedo, Vigan developed from a Chinese trading post into a significant Spanish colonial settlement named Villa Fernandina.
Local artisans maintain traditional practices through weaving, pottery making, and manufacturing kalesas, the horse-drawn carriages that transport visitors through the city.
Visitors access the city via regular bus services from Manila, with local transportation options including tricycles and walking tours through the heritage district.
The streets of Vigan contain buildings that merge Spanish colonial design with Chinese, Mexican, and Philippine architectural elements into a distinct structural pattern.
Location: Ilocos Sur
Inception: 1572
Elevation above the sea: 69 m
Website: http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/
Shares border with: Santa, Santa Catalina, Bantay, Caoayan
Website: http://vigancity.gov.ph
GPS coordinates: 17.57555,120.38726
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:25
The Philippines display rice terraces in Ifugao mountains, coral reefs in Tubbataha National Park, and cave systems in Samar. Mayon Volcano shows its geometric shape, while Chocolate Hills of Bohol extend across the landscape. White sand beaches line the coasts of Boracay and Palawan.
The islands of the Philippines display exceptional geographical diversity. Palawan, Siargao, Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu offer beaches, coral reefs, clear water lagoons, and geological formations. The marine national parks host a rich marine fauna. Historical sites and terraced rice paddies represent cultural heritage. Volcanoes, waterfalls, and caves illustrate the variety of the archipelago's natural landscapes.
Santa Maria Church
25.4 km
Baluarte Zoo
2.9 km
Vigan Cathedral
202 m
Cassamata Hill National Park
24.9 km
Bangued Cathedral
24.5 km
Quirino Stadium
365 m
National Museum of the Philippines Ilocos Regional Complex
153 m
Elpidio R. Quirino historical marker
7 m
Leon C. Pichay historical marker
87 m
Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang historical marker
107 m
Church of Sta. Maria historical marker
25.4 km
Church of Narvacan historical marker
19.9 km
Diego–Gabriela Silang Pass historical marker
13.4 km
Leona Florentino historical marker
300 m
Isabelo F. de los Reyes historical marker
296 m
Querubin Ancestral House
3.2 km
Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang historical marker
11.2 km
Quintin Paredes historical marker
24.7 km
Mena Crisologo historical marker
95 m
Quintin Paredes Ancestral House
24.7 km
Site of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia historical marker
120 m
Pedro Bukaneg historical marker
104 m
Syquia Mansion historical marker
576 m
Ilocos Sur Capitol
95 m
Syquia Mansion
576 m
Cathedral of Vigan historical marker
150 m
Birthplace of Father Burgos historical marker
154 m
Gregoria M. Rivera Memorial Library historical marker
165 mReviews
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