WALKING through the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo, towered by heritage homes on both sides, seems like a stroll to the past. The lower floors of some of these homes are now being used as shops that display the local products of Vigan. During my first visit in this city, my friends and I climbed one of these houses and found that the upper floors still function as residential spaces.
It’s relaxing to walk around Vigan. There are less motorized vehicles in the city compared with other cities in the country. Instead, horse-driven carriages, called the karwahe or carruaje, are still common sights along its avenues and alleys. There are also a number of museums that you can visit, which can give you a glimpse of life during the olden days. I’ve visited the Crisologo Museum and the Padre Burgos House. The antique household items were fascinating as you get to see how these appliances, furniture, and equipment have evolved over the years.
When I went there to attend a conference, I had the opportunity to watch a zarzuela staged in the Ilocano language at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center. It was interesting to see a play where you can only comprehend a few of the words spoken. But the actors were really good as they were able to convey the story, which was a historical one, and captured the sentiments of the audience.
rNear the Vigan Culture and Trade Center is the Plaza Salcedo, where most of the locals converge, especially during the afternoon. Named after the Spanish conquistador, Juan de Salcedo, the plaza lies right across the St. Paul’s Cathedral, which has a long history that can be traced back since 1574. Around the periphery of the plaza are the Ilocos Sur Capitol, the Vigan City Hall, and the Arzobispado. Within this square are various monuments and attractions like the miniature of the heritage site of Vigan and a diorama of known man-made structures found around the world.
Plaza Burgos, a smaller square than Plaza Salcedo, is located beside the St. Paul’s Cathedral bell tower. Children play in this plaza while locals and visitors enjoy a sumptuous merienda of Vigan empanada in the food kiosks sprawled around the square.
Beyond the heritage center of Vigan, other points of interest are: the Burnay pottery, where you will find how these earthen wares are made; the Baluarte, which features animals like tigers, deers, birds, and peacocks; and Bantay Belfry, a historical structure that stands tall atop a hill.
When the sun goes down, Calle Crisologo goes aglow while tourists take night shots of this famous street. A great dinner and a few drinks at Café Leona will give you an experience on how delightful and laidback the Vigan nightlife is in this part of town. Then, stay for a night or two in one of the old houses that have been converted into a hotel or inn. Don’t just let your imagination wander too far, especially when you see antique pieces and old photos in the place where you are staying.
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Claire Marie Algarme blogs at firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram.