Vigan Heritage Village
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in the Philippines is Vigan Heritage Village, located in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. It is known for its cobblestone streets, centuries-old stone houses, and a mix of Spanish and Filipino architectural styles that take visitors back to the colonial era.
The village uniquely blends Spanish, Chinese, and Ilocano cultures. Calle Crisologo, Vigan's most famous street, is lined with ancestral houses, antique shops, and charming cafes, perfect for a stroll.
As the Village’s World Heritage inscription states, “It is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.” Vigan’s architecture is a combination of the influences from Europe and China that shaped the townscape through the years.
Aside from sightseeing the Spanish Colonial architecture, you may enjoy other fun activities around the historic village. For a more historical experience, you can ride a kalesa (horse carriage) around the village. A visit to Calle Crisologo is highly recommended if you are a fan of unique antique pieces and hand-made souvenirs.
Tourists can also delve into the past by visiting the Syquia Mansion Museum, Crisologo Museum, and the Vigan Cathedral, each offering unique insights into the region's history and culture. Food enthusiasts can savor authentic Ilocano cuisine, including delicacies like Vigan longganisa (local sausage), empanada, and sinanglao (a local stew).
The town comes alive during the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, featuring street dancing, cultural performances, and traditional craft exhibitions.
The village gained recognition globally for being able to preserve its unique cobblestone streets and its Spanish colonial architecture, which will definitely take its visitors back in time during the Spanish occupation of the country. Vigan Heritage Village is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a prestigious designation that underscores its cultural and historical significance.
This recognition highlights Vigan's outstanding universal value and its well-preserved colonial architecture. The village has also been named one of the New7Wonders Cities, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination.
How to get there
To get to Vigan Heritage Village from Manila, you can look for bus companies offering daily trips to Vigan. Ride a bus that will take you to Vigan for about an 8 to 10-hour journey. You can also take a flight to Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, which is about 80 kilometers north of Vigan.
From Laoag, you can take a bus or hire a van to Vigan, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
There are also direct flights to Laoag from Cebu, which are followed by a bus or van ride to Vigan.
If you have a car, you can drive to Vigan by taking the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to Tarlac, then continuing on the MacArthur Highway through Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Sur. The drive usually takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic.
Once you are in Vigan City, you can take a quick tricycle ride or comfortably walk to Vigan Heritage Village.
For easier and smoother travel, you may join Vigan Tours or Ilocos Tours, which will take you to Vigan Heritage Village. These tours already include a tour guide and transportation and will take you to other Vigan tourist spots and Ilocos attractions.
Best time to visit
The village is an all-year-round destination and can be visited any time of day. You can also consider visiting during the dry season from November to April for hassle-free exploration.
Visiting in January can be especially rewarding as Vigan celebrates the Vigan City Fiesta (January 25) and the Longganisa Festival. These events feature parades, street dancing, and local delicacies, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
Another peak time is during Holy Week (March or April, depending on the year) when Vigan hosts various religious activities and processions. While this period can be crowded, it provides a unique glimpse into the local traditions and practices.
