Tourist Attractions and Activities in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines |
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Vigan City and Ilocos Sur Tourist Attractions and ActivitiesHistorical SitesTirad PassDeclared as a National Shrine, the pass located in the municipality of Gregorio del Pilar was the last stand of the Filipino Revolutionary Forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo. The Battle of Tirad Pass was led by the youngest Filipino General, Gregorio del Pilar. Bessang Pass A monument stands on this strategic gap, 5,250 feet above sea level traversed by Highway 4, west of Cervantes, which served as the backdoor to General Yamashita’s last ditch defense during the last stage of World War II. The Battle of Bessang Pass was won by the USAFIP, NL on June 14, 1945. Sta. Maria Church A National Landmark, this centuries-old church nestled atop a hill at the townproper of Sta. Maria was used as a fortress during the 1986 Revolution. Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park The park in Santa was the stronghold of Gabriela Silang, who continued the struggle for freedom from the Spaniards started by her slain husband, Diego Silang. A historical marker in her honor stands nearby. San Esteban and Sulvec Watchtowers These rotund structures were built as look-out points for impending pirates. Cultural HeritageNational Museum - Padre Burgos HouseThe Burgos residence in Vigan houses the memorabilia of the martyr-priest Jose Burgos as well as Ilocano artifacts and ethnic arts of the Tinggians. The museum is open from Monday to Friday and by appointment on weekends and holidays. Museum hours are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. then 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission fee is P10.00 for adult and P5.00 for 12 years old and below. Crisologo Museum Located along delos Reyes Street in Vigan, the museum houses the memorabilia of the Crisologos and original furnishings of a typical Vigan ancestral house. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday and managed by the Crisologo family. Magsingal Museum A repository of Ilocano heritage featuring collections of pottery and porcelain artifacts. The museum is open from Monday to Friday and by appointment on weekends and holidays. Ancestral Houses Kamestizoan District in Vigan is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles. Archbishop’s Palace The palace features sliding capiz windows and cut-out decorations with floral motiffs. Completed in 1793 after a span of 7 years, the palace has a collection of priceless ecclesiastical artifacts and relics from other Ilocos churches. Visits can be arranged from Monday to Friday. Bantay Church The church features earthquake baroque and Gothic-influenced architecture. Its belfry located a few meters away was used as a lookout point for approaching enemies. Pagburnayan The Ilocano jar called “burnay,” used for storing the local vinegar, local wine “basi,” and “bagoong” and as a decorative ware, is produced in factories using the pre-historic method in the southwestern end of Liberation Avenue in Vigan. Natural FormationsSantiago CoveA stretch of golden sand beach in Santiago with amenities for picnics and water sports. Pinsal Falls A favorite setting of many local films, Pinsal Falls features Angalo’s footprint, the legendary Ilocano giant. The falls is a few kilometers of rough road from the highway. Located at Barangay Babalasiwan, Sta. Maria. Other waterfalls in Ilocos Sur are CANIAW FALLS in Bantay, GAMBANG FALLS in Cervantes, AWASEN FALLS in Sigay and BARASIBIS in Sinait. Pug-os Beach Resthouses and picnic sheds are found in this nearly white sand beach in Cabugao. Sulvec Beach The rocky shore of Sulvec, Narvacan is a favorite stop of commuters and the locals. Nearby is the Narvacan Tourism Lodge. Apatot Beach This cove in San Esteban is frequented by picnic goers. During the last stage of World War II, US Submarines surfaced in the area to unload arms and supplies for the USAFIP, NL. Candon Beach The beach features amenities and facilities for visitors. Religious StructuresSt. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral (Vigan)The massive structure was built by the Augustinians in the distinctive Ilocano earthquake-baroque architecture. The cathedral is the setting of many religious festivities attended by devotees from outside the province. Sta. Lucia Church The object of devotees who flock the church is the dark Virgin of Sta. Lucia, said to be miraculous. Barely 3 feet tall, the 18th century image is venerated all over the Ilocos. Sinait Church Enshrined in this century-old church is the 17th century image of the Black Nazarene found floating in a sealed casket along the coast of Sinait. Believed to have caused a miracle by aborting a plague that hit Vigan during the 18th century, the shrine is flocked by many to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene every 3rd day of May. Man-Made AttractionsSundialLocated in front of the Tagudin Municipal Hall, this sundial is one of the existing and still in use sundials built by the Spaniards in 1848. Plaza Salcedo Located west of St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral is this elevated elliptical plaza highlighting the Salcedo Monument, known to be the oldest in the North. Plaza Burgos Another plaza in Vigan named in honor of the Ilocano-martyr priest Father Jose Burgos. Nearby are food stalls selling native delicacies such as the “empanada.” Festivals Semana Santa St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral is the venue of religious rites during the Holy Week. The Good Friday procession features decorated carrozas bearing life-size statues of Spanish vintage. On Easter Sunday, the dawn celebration depicting the Resurrection of Christ, called “Sabet,” is a scene to behold. Viva Vigan Arts and Industry Festival Every first week of May, Vigan plays host to visitors for this festival featuring painting and product exhibits, a Calesa parade, and other cultural activities. Special Interest Trekking The Municipality of Cervantes, home to Bessang Pass, offers a special trail and beautiful sceneries for trekking. A dozen and more waterfalls flow through its verdant mountains. Its terrain is predominantly hilly traversed by brooks and streams. One passes through pine forests, Japanese foxholes/dugouts, alpine grassland through highland meadows, and a variety of flora. source: Department of Tourism |
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