Vigan Heritage Village Tourism

Vigan Heritage Village is a remarkably well-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia, with a unique fusion of architectural styles. Established in the 16th century, its architecture echoes the fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China, and Europe, leading to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village showcases a grid street pattern, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings that have been maintained and restored. Visitors to Vigan Heritage Village can experience the historic Mestizo District that vividly illustrates the multicultural heritage of the region, with ancestral houses elaborately designed with Spanish and Chinese influences, most notably seen in grandiose houses lining the famous Calle Crisologo. Horse-drawn carriages known as 'calesas' provide a quaint way to explore the area, adding to the historic charm of the village. The village is not merely a tourist attraction but a living community, with shops, museums, and residences. Visitors can also enjoy local crafts such as pottery and weaving, sample traditional Ilokano food, and observe the makers of burnay - unglazed earthen jars crafted by hand using pre-colonial methods.