Saint Paul Cathedral
Saint Paul Cathedral is a really one of the most amazing religious sites in Vigan. Popularly known as Vigan Cathedral, it is an old church in Ilocos region located in front of Plaza Salcedo and beside Plaza Burgos.
The first Vigan Cathedral was built and ordered by Juan de Salcedo, the conquistador and Founder of Villa Fernandina, now Vigan, in 1574. It was originally made of wood and thatch. It features a Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. It was re-constructed in 1641 and completed its present Baroque-style building in 1800. Its bell tower stands separately in Plaza Burgos. The bell tower is about 25 meters high and it is surmounted by a large bronze weathercock that is said to symbolize St. Peter. It only became a cathedral when the seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia was transferred from Cagayan to Vigan in 1758.
Horses at Plaza Salcedo
Plaza Salcedo
Plaza Salcedo is located right in front of the Saint Paul Cathedral named after the Spanish conqueror, Juan de Salcedo, who subdued the early native settlement in Vigan and established upon it Villa Fernandina for the monarchs of Spain in 1572. To tribute this Spanish conquistador, a monument was erected in the city square, surrounded by all the important edifices of the town.
Did you know? Plaza Salcedo was the site of the execution of Gabriela Silang in September of 1763. She was the first woman leader of the Philippine revolution who was publicly hanged there to serve as a warning to the restive populace.
Things to Do!
• Visit the garden where you will see a diorama of the world’s man-made wonders like London's Big Ben, Moscow's Basil Basilica and Paris' Eiffel Tower. A miniature of the Vigan Heritage Site was also included by Governor Deogracias Savellano in the world diorama to stress upon the viewers the importance of the Heritage Village and its valuable contribution to the cultural heritage of the world.
• Take a glimpse of the Salcedo Obelisk which was placed in the elevated plaza during the 17th century as the plaza’s centerpiece. It is literally the focal point of the city’s Spanish urban design.
• Enjoy sightseeing at the elliptical plaza with its refreshing fountain display and lagoon.
Trip to Plaza Salcedo Vigan!
By Air - Domestic flights via Sea Air leave Manila twice a week for Vigan City, Fridays and Sundays at 2:30 PM. Domestic flights leave Manila daily for Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, which is an hour and a half ride by bus or arranged vehicles to Vigan. The city can be reached from Laoag City via Farinas Transportation, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines, F. Franco Trans, Auto Bus, Florida Transit, and Partas Bus.
By Land - The 408 km stretch from Manila to Vigan City is a comfortable eight-hour ride along the scenic Manila-Ilocos Highway. Air-conditioned Partas Bus, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, and Viron Transit ply the Manila-Vigan route regularly.
Getting Around - The best way to explore Vigan is on foot; the city center is small and compact, yet full of excitement. Experience a calesa ride around Vigan at P150.00 per hour.
Accommodations to Vigan:
There are many inns, pension houses, and hotels located near the town center. My Vigan Home Hotel and Gordion Hotel are some of which will give you better accommodations during your days in Ilocos Sur.
My Vigan Home Hotel is located at 14 Plaridel corner Bonifacio Streets, Vigan (Ilocos Sur), Ilocos Region, Philippines 2700. Gordion Hotel is located at V. Delos Reyes corner Salcedo Sts., Vigan (Ilocos Sur), Ilocos Region, Philippines.