Visiting Ilocos Sur is like traveling back in time, with its various churches, buildings, and even entire cities seemingly taken out of the Spanish era. Each ancestral home and cobblestone street tells stories preserved over several centuries, as if you’re walking through the pages of Philippine history. Even its natural wonders, such as the towering beauty of Pinsal Falls, have their own stories to tell! 

Welcome to Ilocos Sur!

Relive Vigan’s Past with These 3 Historic Locations

Discover Ilocos Sur’s Hidden Natural Gems

Ilocos Sur

One of the most popular tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, Calle Crisologo looks like it was taken out of a movie scene, what with its ancestral homes and cobblestone streets that perfectly capture the Spanish colonial period. Whether you’re walking through the historic street or taking a leisurely ride on a kalesa or horse-drawn carriage, Calle Crisologo is a must-visit for any tourist going to Vigan!

# What to expect 

As one of the best-preserved heritage sites in Vigan, Calle Crisologo boasts a unique atmosphere that would take you back in time. Heritage houses built centuries ago line up both sides of the street, depicting Spanish-influenced architecture preserved for several centuries. And with the site closed to vehicles, tourists can fully enjoy Calle Crisologo’s cobblestone street.

Many of the houses that line Calle Crisologo offer even more beyond their architectural marvels. Some have opened their houses to tourists who want to find out more about their stories, while others have been turned into retail stores that sell souvenirs and local delicacies. And of course, there are many locations around the street that’s perfect for a quick photo!

On top of its architectural and historical beauty, Calle Crisologo even has a dramatic love story behind it to add to its flair. A commonly told tale by local tour guides is that a Japanese general fell in love with a local Filipina, and this relationship was what spared Calle Crisologo, and the city of Vigan as a whole, from bombings during World War II. While it’s unknown what happened to the general and his lover, their love story continues to live on in Calle Crisologo’s towering structures!

# Where to experience it

Calle Crisologo can be found in Vigan, being close by to other popular tourist attractions within the city such as Syquia Mansion and the Dancing Fountain. Many whole-day tours that take you around Vigan will include a visit to Calle Crisologo in their itineraries.


Calle Crisologo

On top of their religious significance, many of the Philippines’ churches are also world-famous for their architectural feats. UNESCO recognized four of the countries’ churches as World Heritage Sites, as all four exemplify the Baroque style that the Spaniards brought with them during the colonial period

One of these four churches is the Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Church, or more commonly known as the Santa Maria Church, hailing from the municipality of the same name in Ilocos Sur. Seated on top of a hill, the Santa Maria Church watches over the whole town and continues to serve as a window to the country’s past.

# What to expect 
Established in 1769, the Santa Maria Church is one of the best examples of Baroque style architecture that was popular in the Spanish colonial era. Its brick facade is both simple and elegant, preserving its historical and cultural significance across several centuries. 

As it was built on top of a hill, getting to the church itself requires going through three flights of steps. It’s the perfect entrance to such a jaw-dropping structure—getting to the top is more than worth it!

While the interior of the church is fairly simple, it is the church’s surroundings that has made it a popular destination among tourists. Near its entrance is a relief depicting Our Lady of Assumption atop a tree, while beside it is a belfry that was also used as a watchtower in the Spanish colonial period. The church also has a lot of open space surrounding it, perfect for leisurely walks and quick photos!

# Where to experience it
If you’re coming from Vigan, it will take you around an hour to get to the municipality of Santa Maria, where the church is located. If you have plans of going to Pinsal Falls, Santa Maria Church is only a few minutes away, so make sure to include both in your itinerary.

# Contact info
* [Baroque Churches of the Philippines page in UNESCO website](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677/)
* [Official Facebook page of Santa Maria Municipal Police Station](https://web.facebook.com/StaMariaMunicipalPoliceStation/)

Santa Maria Church

The Philippines has no shortage of exquisite views of the sea, and Ilocos Sur is no exception. As it is bordered by the West Philippine Sea, it has several seaside attractions across the province. One of its more famous destinations is Mapisi Rock, which is also called “Biak na Bato.”

As described by its name—mapisi is an Ilocano word meaning “to cut”—Mapisi Rock is a towering formation that has been cut in the middle by natural forces. The result is a very unique vantage point that lets you be surrounded by jaw-dropping rock formations and gives you a unique view of the sea.

# What to expect 
When you arrive at the site, Mapisi Rock will be surrounded by a long white-sand beach, already giving you a glimpse of the incredible views you’ll find within the formation. You’ll also find various other smaller rock formations in the surrounding area.

From afar, Mapisi Rock serves as a towering structure looming over the whole beach. You’ll also notice several trees that have turned the top of the rocks into their home, adding even more to the site’s natural wonder. 

Your experience won’t be complete without setting foot in between the two rocks. Surround yourself with Mapisi Rock’s towering structures, and treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime view of the clear blue sea. You wouldn’t want to miss getting a photo!

# Where to experience it
If you’re coming from Vigan, it will take you around an hour to get to the municipality of Santiago. Once there, you’ll be able to hire a tricycle that will take you to Mapisi Rock, which is around 15 kilometers away from the town proper. 

# Contact info
* [Official Facebook Page of Santiago local government](https://www.facebook.com/I-Love-Santiago-Ilocos-Sur-2091292707582787/)
* [Official Facebook page of Ilocos Sur tourism](https://www.facebook.com/SureIlocosSur)


Mapisi Rock

After a full day of basking in Vigan’s rich heritage and seeing its numerous sites of the historic city, end your eventful city tour with a visual and musical spectacle provided by its Dancing Fountain. Installed at Plaza Salcedo, the fountain holds a show every night, entertaining tourists and locals alike. 

# What to expect 
As the name suggests, the Dancing Fountain offers a stunning display of lights and water accompanied by both traditional and contemporary music. Audiences will enjoy towering pillars of water dancing to the beat, along with colorful light displays that complete the 30-minute show. 

While the Dancing Fountain is often the last stop of a whole-day tour, there are also several sites around the fountain if you want to make the most of your visit. Overlooking the fountain is Vigan Cathedral and its bell tower, serving as a mesmerizing backdrop for the show. Various government and private buildings also surround the fountain, all boasting Vigan’s unique architectural beauty.

The Dancing Fountain has shows every night from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. On weekends, it holds a second show from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Make sure you add this spectacle to your Ilocos Sur itineraries!

# Where to experience it
The Dancing Fountain is located across the provincial capitol and the Vigan Cathedral, and it is only a few minutes away from other Vigan attractions such as Calle Crisologo and Syquia Mansion. Many day tours that take you around Vigan end their itineraries with the fountain’s show.

# Contact info
* [Official Facebook page of the Ilocos Sur Dancing Fountain ](https://www.facebook.com/Ilocos-Sur-Dancing-Fountain-217788131738044/?ref=page_internal)
* [Official Facebook page of Ilocos Sur tourism](https://www.facebook.com/SureIlocosSur)


Dancing Fountain

As a coastal province, the residents of Ilocos Sur during the Spanish colonial period had to make efforts to protect the city from pirates and other possible invaders hailing from the sea. The Spaniards often resorted to dedicated structures in critical positions across the province that would not only alert them of the pirates’ presence, but also contain the necessary equipment to defend the area. 

One of these structures is the Bateria Watchtower, also known as the Moro Watchtower, a white circular structure overlooking the coast of Barangay Bateria in the municipality of San Esteban. Known as the oldest landmark in the town, the Moro Watchtower now serves as a great opportunity for tourists to get a memorable view of the sea.

# What to expect 
The first thing that stands out from Bateria Watchtower is its unique color and shape. The white stone makes it stand out among all other structures in the area, while the round shape was the design often used for coastal watchtowers around the country. It is one of very few watchtowers of its kind in the Philippines that is still intact today, giving visitors a rare view of how security was enforced in the town many centuries ago.

Once inside, you’ll notice that there are several small windows that give a glimpse of the outside, another staple from watchtowers of the period. You wouldn’t want to miss taking that glimpse—it offers several picturesque views of the sea. And unlike its previous inhabitants, you won’t have to worry about any pirates obstructing your view!

# Where to experience it
The Bateria Watchtower is located in Barangay Bateria in the municipality of San Esteban. If you’re coming from Vigan, it will take you around an hour of land travel to reach the municipality.

# Contact info
[Official Facebook page of Ilocos Sur tourism](https://www.facebook.com/SureIlocosSur)

Bateria Watchtower

Standing tall atop a small hill is the Bantay Bell Tower, a centuries-old church belfry that has become a favorite among tourists. Located in the municipality of Bantay right next to its local church, the Bantay Bell Tower previously served as a watchtower for the town and for the nearby capital city of Vigan during the Spanish colonial period, protecting both areas from pirates and other enemies. 

# What to expect 
The Bantay Bell Tower gives tourists a glimpse of Ilocos Sur’s colorful history, as the tower has stood firmly on top of the hill since 1591. Not only is the tower an architectural marvel, it’s also a lasting symbol of how the area has remained steadfast in the face of various threats.

As it was used as a watchtower several centuries ago, Bantay Bell Tower offers an unforgettable view of Ilocos Sur that you can’t miss. See the municipality of Bantay and the city of Vigan from a unique perspective, and snap a photo of the faraway mountains that complete the panoramic landscape.

After basking in the view, tourists can also visit the nearby Bantay Church, which now uses the tower as a belfry. Established a year before the tower in 1590, Bantay Church gives visitors the opportunity to unearth even more of Ilocos Sur’s history and culture.

# Where to experience it
From the Vigan city proper, the Bantay Bell Tower is only a 10-minute ride away. You will need to go up several sets of stairs for the full experience, but the view at the top is more than worth it!

# Contact info
[Official Facebook page of Ilocos Sur tourism](https://www.facebook.com/SureIlocosSur)

Bantay Bell Tower

Of the many historical landmarks you can find within Vigan, one that stands out above the rest is the Syquia Mansion. Once resided by the Syquia family, with one of its members marrying former Philippine president and Vigan native Elpidio Quirino, the Syquia Mansion has since been transformed into a public museum, displaying not only the various artifacts owned by the family and the late president, but also an architectural marvel that best encapsulates Vigan’s unique charm.

# What to expect 
As an ancestral home turned museum, Syquia Mansion gives its visitors a rare glimpse into high-society Vigan life during the 1800s. Everything you see within the house tells a story over a century old, from its heirlooms to its holes.

Even before you enter, Syquia Mansion is already a treat for history and architecture buffs. The stone exterior’s design has been preserved for over a century, making it a true artifact from the Spanish colonial period. Those architectural feats extend to its interiors, with its unique stone walls and windows decorated with shells. 

Entering its doors is like traveling back in time, as you’ll see dozens of artifacts, paintings, and furniture around the mansion. From the horse-drawn carriage right at the entrance to the family portraits painted by Fernando Amorsolo, one of the country’s national artists, the Syquia Mansion has a lot to offer! 

# Where to experience it
Syquia Mansion can be found in Vigan, being close by to other popular tourist attractions within the city such as Calle Crisologo and the Dancing Fountain. Many whole-day tours that take you around Vigan will include a visit to Syquia Mansion in their itineraries.

# Contact info
* [Official website of Syquia Mansion](https://syquiamansion.org)
* [Official Facebook page of Syquia Mansion](https://www.facebook.com/TheSyquiaMansion)
* [Official Facebook page of Ilocos Sur tourism](https://www.facebook.com/SureIlocosSur)


Syquia Mansion

If your ideal vacation involves surrounding yourself with historical sites, then the city of Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur, is the perfect destination for you! Every step you take in the historic city takes you back several centuries, as Vigan is “the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia,” as described by UNESCO in explaining the city’s status as a World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in Vigan’s unique blend of Spanish and Filipino culture, and fall in love with its historical, architectural, and cultural wonders.

# What to expect when you're there:

You can’t help but fall in love with Vigan the moment you enter the city, as its wondrous feats of architecture line up all of its streets. Many of these bahay na bato or stone houses were built several centuries ago, standing tall as the remnants of the Spanish colonial era, when Vigan was primarily used as a site for trading by both Spaniards and Chinese merchants.

Nowhere is Vigan’s rich history better captured than in Calle Crisologo, one of the city’s main streets that has been designated for tourism. Ancestral homes line up both sides of the road, and its cobblestone street only adds to the ambiance. Don’t miss out on riding a kalesa or horse-drawn carriage to get the full experience!

Each building you’ll find in Vigan tells many centuries-old stories, and many of these structures are more than happy to share them. Syquia Mansion, home to the prominent Syquia family and former Philippine president Elpidio Quirino, has turned the ancestral home into a public museum, giving visitors a peek into high-society living in the Spanish era.

Vigan’s unique atmosphere also translates to its cuisine. Don’t leave the city without trying their world-famous longganisa, a type of pork sausage with flavors you’ll only find in Vigan. After a long day of traveling back in time, treat yourself to a serving of bagnet as well—the deep-fried pork belly makes for a delicious dinner!

With its various historical treasures, preserved sites, and cultural artifacts, the Vigan experience is unparalleled. You’ll always learn something new whenever you visit Vigan!

# How to get there:

If you’re coming from Manila, the most common way to get to Vigan is via land travel, which will take around 8 hours. Tourists can shorten that travel time by taking the one-hour flight to Laoag Airport in Ilocos Norte and traveling for another 2 hours by land to get from Laoag to Vigan. 


Vigan

IATF Standardized Travel Protocols for Land, Sea, and Air 

Ilocos Sur Travel Advisory

What Do the Community Quarantines Mean?

Vigan is under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until September 7, 2021.

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