⛪ Vigan Cathedral: Historic Church & Earthquake Baroque Icon in Ilocos Sur

🙏 A Cathedral With Centuries of Devotion

Also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of Saint Paul, this church is a major religious and cultural landmark in Northern Luzon—and a must-visit when exploring Vigan City. Though its exterior may seem simple compared to other heritage churches, its interior tells a different story.


📜 A Quick Look at Its History

Year Milestone
1574 First chapel built by Juan de Salcedo (wood & thatch)
1641 Second church built, later damaged by earthquakes
1739 Third church burned down
1790–1800 Current church constructed in Earthquake Baroque style
2022 Damaged by a major earthquake
2025 Fully reopened and operational

🏛️ Key Features of the Cathedral

  • Three naves and a choir loft
  • Twelve hammered-silver altars
  • Neo-Gothic brass communion rails and Chinese architectural touches
  • Bell tower located in Plaza Burgos, crowned with a large bronze weathercock
  • Designed to withstand earthquakes, hence the Earthquake Baroque style

📸 My Experience

We only got a brief glimpse of this historic cathedral during our kalesa tour. It wasn’t part of the official route, but I managed to snap a few photos. The structure looks sturdy and timeless, especially knowing it survived multiple calamities, including the 2022 earthquake.

Next time I return to Ilocos Sur, this cathedral is on top of my must-visit list. I’d love to explore its interiors, admire the hammered silver altars, and quietly reflect on its centuries-old history.


💡 Travel Tips

  • 🚶 Visit on foot after your kalesa ride to explore the inside at your own pace.
  • 🕰️ Best to go early morning or late afternoon when there are fewer tourists.
  • 📷 Don’t skip the bell tower in Plaza Burgos—a great photo spot!
🙏 Ideal for pilgrimage trips or heritage tours in Ilocos Sur.

📍 Location: Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
🗓️ Built: Original chapel in 1574 | Current structure completed in 1800
🕯️ Style: Earthquake Baroque with Chinese, Neo-Gothic, and Romanesque elements 

 


 

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading! Please share and like my Facebook page :)

 
Unless otherwise stated, Lakwatserang Ligaw is the legal copyright owner of all materials on this site © | Template by Ipietoon Cute Blog Design