Its river used to be a trading post before the Spanish colonization. Chinese traders frequent Vigan to have their goods exchanged with gold, beeswax, and other products from the Cordillera region.
Today, the city of Vigan is a clear picture of how it used to be in the old days when life was slow, and not too many people have heard of the city yet. The well-preserved cobblestone streets remain to be one of the most visited attractions of Vigan, but there is still so much more to see when you visit.
Walking Tour of Calle Crisologo
The name of this famous spot in Vigan comes from the family name of Mena Crisologo, a politician, poet, writer, and playwright. The cobblestone street is well-preserved and lined with touristy spots like hotels, bars, souvenir shops, and cafes.
No vehicles pass this street; hence the perfect way to take photos of sturdy Spanish architectures. The place is open 24 hours, so there’s no need to rush just to get there.
Visit Pagburnayan
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vigan is an old Jar factory locally called Pagburnayan. Pottery or Burnay making is already considered a dying tradition; the last pot maker or Pagburnayan may not have his successor in the future.
Burnay is earthen jars with small openings, while those with bigger mouths are called wangging.
Eat at Café Leona
Named after the poetess Leona Florentino, this café is world-famous and used to be her own home. It became a restaurant and wowed patrons with its longganisa and bagnet offerings.
Tourists swear that they’ve had the best breakfast experience in the café. Besides Filipino foods, they also serve Japanese, Italian and Thai cuisine. The café is located in Calle Crisologo.
Visit the Bantay Bell Tower
This bell tower sits on top of a hill overlooking Bantay, Vigan, hence the name. Bantay Bell Tower stands beside the St. Augustine Parish, one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur.
Visitors can climb the bell tower and enjoy the open skies of Vigan. Tourists who didn’t climb the tall structure can take postcard-worthy shots instead.
According to outoftownblog.com
