Vigan (City of Vigan) description and photos - Philippines: Luzon Island (Topic)

City of Vigan description and photos - Philippines: Luzon Island. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is City of Vigan.

Photo and description

The city of Wigan is located on the western coast of the Philippine island of Luzon. It is the capital of the island province of Ilocos Sur. The population is just over 9 thousand people. The 6th President of the Philippines Elpidio Quirino was born here.

The city is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list thanks to the numerous buildings that have survived from the Spanish colony. Wigan is famous for its cobbled streets and unique architecture that combines elements of the traditional Filipino and colonial European styles.

Wigan was once a settlement of merchants who came to the Philippines from the Chinese province of Fujian. They called this place "Bi Gan" which meant "beautiful coast". Hence the modern name of the city comes from. Until now, many families live here, in which Chinese and Spanish roots are mixed.

During the Spanish colony, the city was officially called Villa Fernandina in honor of Prince Ferdinand, the firstborn of the Spanish king Philip II, who died at the age of 4. Wigan is considered a unique Philippine city as it is one of the few cities that has preserved its historical heritage dating back to the 16th century.

Among the most impressive buildings in Vigan is the Cathedral of St. Paul, where the great Ilokan poet Leona Florentino is buried. A copy of the statuette of Santo Cristo Malagroso is also kept here. Next to the cathedral is the Residence of the Archbishop - the only active residence built during the time of the Spanish colony. In front of the cathedral is the Plaza Salcedo, named after the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo. And right behind the cathedral is the Plaza Burgos, dedicated to the memory of the Philippine great martyr Jose Burgos. On the western side of the square is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vigan - the cafe "Vigan Empanadaan", where you can taste the famous "empanadas" - Spanish pancakes with meat, and "Sinanglao" - a traditional roast of beef entrails.

In the Pagburnayan area, you can see how the famous Vigan burnai jugs are made. To get acquainted with nature, you should go to the Baluarte mini-zoo, where you can see tigers, or to the Secret Garden - a wonderful park with a small cafe hidden among thickets of trees.

Finally, be sure to walk along the most famous street in the city of Mena Crisologo Street - it was this street that brought Wigan world fame, thanks to its paved surface and houses built in the 16-17 centuries. Tourists can buy souvenirs here or take a ride in the "kaleza" - a two-seater horse carriage with a convertible top.

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Topic: Vigan (City of Vigan) description and photos - Philippines: Luzon Island.