TRAVELOGUE: VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR (Part 2)

Been inlove in the district of Calle Crisologo?

Now here's another tourist attraction in Vigan City.

(I'm starting to love this place)

2nd Stop: St. PAUL METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

(photo from Nueva Segovia Chancery)

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as metropolitan cathedral, is considered a major religious landmark not only of Northern Luzon but the country as well. It has been a center of Roman Catholic devotion for centuries.

As you see it follows the Baroque architectural design.

You can see its beauty in day time better than in night time.
Metropolitan Cathedral is just facing the Plaza Salcedo (I will show it later) and on the side of Plaze Burgos.

Here's a picture of the church in night time.

We enjoy walking in Calle Crisologo and came to St. Paul Cathedral within 5-10 minutes walk.

Need a time check? Just look up at Vigan's Bell Tower, It will surely tells you the time.

There's another Bell Tower in Vigan. It's Bantay Bell Tower which I will show you on the next post.

And it's beside Mcdonalds if you feel hungry.

I'm infatuated by Vigan's structural designs.

It's like you're in the past right?

Everything in Vigan reminds you the image of the old times.

They preserve the interior and exterior designs of the houses and buildings.

In front of Metropolitan Cathedral is the PLAZA SALCEDO.

3rd Stop: PLAZA SALCEDO

(credits to wikimapia.org for the photo. Since I arrived Vigan at night I can't took a clear picture)

Plaza Salcedo is a very famous spot here in Vigan.

After visiting St. Paul Cathedral, people often visit this place.

It is famous for its elliptical plaza with its cooling fountain display, and also its quiet atmosphere.

"Right in front of the Saint Paul Cathedral is the Plaza Salcedo, named after the Spanish conqueror, Juan de Salcedo who subdued the early native settlement in Vigan and established upon it Villa Fernandina for the monarchs of Spain in 1572. With this, Juan de Salcedo founded the third of many Hispanic settlements in the Philippines. 

To honor this Spanish conquistador, a monument was erected in the city square, surrounded by all the important edifices of the town. From Plaza Salcedo, one can see and walk leisurely to not only the Saint Paul Cathedral but the Arzobispado or Archbishop’s Palace, the Vigan City Hall and the Ilocos Sur Capitol as well. All were seats of power over life and death in the olden times, and now places of tourist interest, too. 

In Salcedo Plaza, visitors will find the Salcedo Obelisk which was placed in the elevated plaza during the 17th century as the plaza’s centerpiece. It is literally the focal point of the city’s Spanish urban design. "

-source: http://www.vigan.ph/plaza_salcedo.html

Plaza Salcedo is also know as the site of the execution of Gabriela Silang in September of 1763. This is one of the Philippine History that's why Vigan lies a lot of history as you can see in its place.

Plaza Salcedo had its new look last March 2013. They add a fun sight for the night time. This is the newly renovated lagoon with dancing light and fountain.

The dancing Fountain is really breathtaking!

I can't even take my eyes of the fountains but on this picture I only capture the middle part.

I think this last up to 1 hour. Can't exactly remember.

The lights and the way the water swings is perfect with the music they plays.

I also got a video of this.

Gonna upload it on Youtube soon :)

Many people watch this new attraction and it really brings a lot of tourist in Vigan.

Late at night, there's a lot of resto & bar near the plaza.

You can sing, eat, and chill in the city's fine night.

A way back to the hotel is really nice since the cold air gives you a great feeling.

Seriously, I really love walking at night when the weather is cool.

And our hotel is near the Meztiso District, we passed through it again.

Some stalls are already close but some are still open.

Yet many people still walks in this street.

This is a great night in the city of Vigan because tomorrow where of to the beach!!