Whenever I travel and visit famous landmark or sites, my 1st list to visit is always the church of a local town. Here I went to Cathedral of Vigan formerly known as St Paul’s Cathedral, located infront of Plaza Salcedo. I noticed that the church is newly painted and when I went inside, I saw scaffolding blocking the church hallway, I just caught the renovation period of the church.
some info about the cathedral
”The St. Paul’s Cathedral is also known as the metropolitan Cathedral. It is considered a major religious landmark not only of northern Luzon but the country as well. Visitors must include a visit to the cathedral when in Vigan as it has been a center of Roman Catholic devotion for centuries.
The church as it stands now was completed in 1800. The original structure was built in 1574 upon thecommand of the Spanish founder of Vigan, Juan de Salcedo. It was a mere chapel then, made of wood and thatch. In 1641, the chapel was replaced by a church.
When the seat of the Nueva Segovia Diocese was transferred to Villa Fernandina de Vigan from Cagayan’s Lal-lo in 1758, the church was elevated to the status of a cathedral and became the center of Catholic faith in the north. Another structure was ordered by then Governor Jose de Basco to be built to replace the existing church in 1786. With the Augustinians, the cornerstone of the new church was laid in the beginning of 1790. “ more info at -- http://www.vigan.ph/st.paul_cathedral_vigan.html
It was around 6pm that time, so I took a quick photo op with my blogger friends infront of the cathedral.
Whenever I go to big churches, I always make sure I visit the 2nd floor – the choir area and also the belfry, but here in my trip, I forgot to visit the belfry.
Cathedral of Vigan and the moon
main front of the cathedral
the cathedral’s belfry
Looking up…
info about the cathedral
here’s my view after I entered the cathedral
I walked more inside and took pic after the scaffolding
It’s big!! and a nice cathedral….. great work for maintaining it.
ohh super strict….
I went to the 2nd floor, the cathedral is closed that night,but you can still enter it and pray, but my agenda here is to take photos and also go up to the 2nd floor – which is my favorite place inside the church and best vantage point
after I arrive at the 2nd floor, I forgot about the scaffolding hahahaha… it blocks my view
The renovation is not yet complete…the 2nd level shows some scraps from the renovation
How to go here in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
1. There are two travel options – ride the 8 hour bus from Manila to Ilocos Sur or ride the plane go Laoag City Airport in Ilocos Norte + 1 1/2 land travel to Vigan.
2. We went here via chartered plane of Gov. Chavit Singson, we landed at Vigan City airport, if you have a company trip and want to travel by air, you can try a chartered plane by Sea Air, just inquire to their office on how to get a chartered plane.
3. Air - 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 Partas Bus, Fariñas Transportation, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines, F. Franco Trans, and Florida Bus. – Via http://www.vigancity.gov.ph
4. 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. – Via http://www.vigancity.gov.ph
5. 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 per carriage. – Via http://www.vigancity.gov.ph
6. If you are in Vigan City, there are lots of transportation, you can ride the tricycle or the “kalesa”, horse drawn carriage. The “kalesa” can be rented at Php 100 per hour.
Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/
For Schedules of City Events and Tours please contact the City Tourism Office. Tel No: (077) 722-8771,
Baluarte in Vigan City
http://chavitsingson.net/baluarte/index.html
Opens - 7am-6pm eve
ryday, entrance is free
Tel # 6377-722-7186
Historic Town of Vigan @ UNESCO
Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502
Vigan.PH
http://www.vigan.ph
* Thanks to Governor Chavit Singson for inviting us to tour around Vigan City
Read my complete Vigan travel blog series
for any questions or inquiries, feel free to email me at azrael@gmail.com
Discovering Vigan City - Ilocos Sur trip part 1
