| In old times, Ilocandia has been described as a | | | | Indeed, Vigan is best known for its Castillian houses |
| God-forsaken land because of its arid and difficult | | | | with old tile roofs, hardwood floorings and azoteas. |
| terrain. But the hardy people of this province had the | | | | These houses are located in Heritage Village which is |
| patience and the will to survive, and eventually turned | | | | the core of the Mestizo district. Some of the houses |
| it into a lush and abundant highland. Amidst all these is | | | | remain in possession of descendants of their original |
| a rich history consisting of legendary uprisings, | | | | owners with the antique interiors and furnishings |
| monumental edifices, and noble men and women who | | | | intact, while some of these ancestral homes have |
| has made Ilocos a unique and remarkable place that it | | | | been turned into cozy inns, museums, and souvenir |
| is today. | | | | shops. |
| Vigan is a sleepy town at the heart of Ilocos Sur. It's | | | | Although many of these houses have been |
| easy to find your way around because the people | | | | converted into commercial establishments, the brick |
| are friendly and warm to visitors. At the center of | | | | structures are preserved. The whole block breathes |
| the town is Plaza Salcedo erected in honor of Juan | | | | in an eerie feeling emphasized more by the calezas or |
| Salcedo who named this place Ciudad Fernandina | | | | horse-drawn carriages which remain a mode of |
| after King Ferdinand of Spain. Right across the plaza | | | | transportation around town. |
| is the St. Paul's Cathedral built in 1641 and which came | | | | You can buy real or reproduction antique furniture |
| under the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in 1758. | | | | around VIgan's antique stores or visit pottery |
| A few minutes walk will bring you to the Burgos | | | | factories along Rizal street for ceramic products. |
| House. Now converted into a museum, the house is | | | | These factories will be more than happy to give a |
| the birthplace of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of the priests | | | | demonstration on pottery-making. You can also buy |
| executed in Cavite during the revolution. The | | | | woven blankets and table napkins at low prices. |
| museum houses what were left of the Burgos family | | | | Vigan has been declared a World Heritage Site and it |
| belongings which include antique furnitures, clothing | | | | is recommended that you view the houses at night |
| and other artifacts donated by some prominent | | | | with the streets lighted perfectly and the air cool. |
| families in Vigan. | | | | |