🙏 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
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!
📍 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
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