On the island of Luzon, almost on the very beach of the South-China Sea, there is a beautiful town – small but incredibly cozy, where time seems to stop in the epoch of Spanish colonists. This is the historic city of Vigan – the place, which is so loved by tourists who come here to see what life in the Philippines was like several centuries ago.

Vigan is like decorations for films: there are a lot of preserved old buildings combining Spanish and Filipino styles. In this place, horse-drawn carts drive in the narrow streets. Near inns and taverns, you can easily meet people wearing national clothes. It is simply impossible to find a more colorful place.

In Vigan, you should pay attention to the luxurious St. Paul’s Cathedral, to a residence of the Archbishop and the two most famous squares, Burgos and Salcedo. These are the places where the atmosphere of the old times is felt the most. This is exactly where you can try delicious local dishes in cozy restaurants.

The history of the city is pretty much common for island states. While occupying more and more lands in the 16th century, Spanish colonists came there. They started to develop a small settlement, where Chinese traders had lived before. Spanish people started to build big houses, plan new streets, encourage and develop craft workshops. In 1572, a former trade village became a city and was named Villa Fernandina de Vigan – in honor of a son of one of the Spanish kings. However, later, the long name was shortened to Vigan that remained for centuries.

Today, Vigan is a modern city with old coloring and atmosphere. The youngest houses are attributed to the end of the 18th century. As far as the whole city takes the position in the UNESCO World Heritage List, construction in the city is prohibited. At the same time, restoration and maintenance of the architectural monuments are welcomed. You can barely see a car there. It is better to travel within the city either by foot or by carriage, which locals call «carroza».

It is interesting to come there at any time of the year. However, Vigan becomes the most colorful at the end of January during the Kalesa Festival, which is famous all over the Philippines. At that time, the city is filled with colorful carts and guests wearing colorful costumes, and bright performances are shown in the squares.

From the time of its foundation, the city of Vigan has been well-known for high-quality fabrics and beautiful pottery. These crafts have been preserved till now. The most interesting is that masters do not accept the new techniques but resort only to those used many centuries ago. For example, there is an old textile factory selling hand-made fabrics made with the usage of the Middle Ages techniques in the street of Mena Crisologo. On the market, you can always find famous Vigan jugs with unique paintings.

Apart from walking and purchasing goods, you can visit the history museum. Although all the streets there look like museum exhibits, you can still go to a real museum to get acquainted with the past of this fabulous city.