A Peek at the Heritage of Vigan City

Vigan's History

Vigan is located in the Province of Ilocos Sur, near the northwest coast of the main island of Luzon, at the river delta of Abra River . Founded in the 16th century, it is the most well preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture show a combination of European and Mexican heritages with those from China and other parts of the Philippines to produce a unique townscape and culture that is unmatched in East and South-East Asia.

Although Vigan is now best known for its Hispanic trading town architecture that has lasted over the years and is believed to come from Juan de Salcedo, visitors would find it interesting to learn that a prosperous settlement had existed in what is now Vigan City long before the arrival of the Spaniards. When immigrants began to flood in as a result of the thriving trade that established, the Dumagats and Tinguians, who had been the first settlers, were pushed farther inland. 

Being close to the China Sea and encircled by the large rivers Abra and Mestizo made the community very useful for trading. It was an important part of the pan-Asian trade, which was made possible by the employment of trading sailboats. In fact, its port was already marked on old maps that were used for centuries to mark international sea routes. When the Spaniards arrived, they tried to take advantage of the existing trading advantage. Vigan's prosperity endured because it made it easier for the Philippines to trade with Europe through Acapulco, Mexico.

Vigan has maintained most of its colonial beauty despite overcoming several historical problems, such as the Philippine Revolution, World War II, and modernization. It is currently among Asia's best-preserved examples of a Spanish colonial town. In addition to taking in traditional Ilocano cuisine like Vigan longganisa and empanada, tourists travel to Vigan to see its historical landmarks, including Calle Crisologo, Bantay Bell Tower, and more.

References :

http://www.travelworldheritage.com/2020/03/05/vigan/

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502/

https://www.vigan.ph/city/trade-in-vigan-through-the-years.html

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