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The Ilocos Sur Naturals Beauty

hello everyone its me Aprilyn Uclusin,  Allow me to show you some of the province of Ilocos Sur's natural beauty and wonders. 

Ilocos Sur was founded by the Spanish conquistador, Juan de Salcedo in 1572. It was formed when the north (now Ilocos Norte) split from the south (Ilocos Sur). At that time it included parts of Abra and the upper half of present-day La Unión.

The province is famed for its diverse culture and history, as well as its heritage sites, adventure parks, and, of course, its cuisine. This time, though, we'll be focusing on the wonderful sites to visit in Ilocos Sur.

1.  Vigan Cathedral

Another Vigan Ilocos Sur tourist spot to check out is the St. Paul’s Cathedral. Also known as Vigan Cathedral, it is considered a major religious landmark not only of northern Luzon but the country as well. The original structure was built in 1574 with wood and thatch. It was just a mere chapel then. It was only in 1641 when it was turned into a church and was completed in 1800.

The Vigan Cathedral follows a Baroque architectural design that has been modified by Ilocanos to strengthen the structure against earthquakes which is known as “Earthquake Baroque.” Don’t miss this as it is one of the most beautiful Vigan tourist spots.

Highlight:

Earthquake Baroque architecture

2.  Calle Crisologo

If you want to travel back in time, Calle Crisologo is the best place to be. This tourist spot in Vigan City is a street of old Spanish structures, mostly houses of wealthy families and Filipino-Chinese traders. This is where you’ll see the famous cobblestone streets that represent Vigan’s image.

Must-read: Calle Crisologo: Walking Through A Tale of War and Love

Highlights:

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cobblestone streets

One of the world’s best preserved Spanish colonial towns

3.  Bantay Church Bell Tower

The Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. The church was dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo. It is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad) housing the miraculous image of Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity, crowned by the Pope as the patroness of Ilocandia on 12 January 1956.

The old historic belfry of the church known as the Bantay Tower, which served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, gave the town its name - bantay (meaning to guard). Established in 1590, the church is one of the oldest in the Ilocos Region

The Bantay Church Bell Tower served as the town’s watchtower in 1591. The magnificent view that this tourist attraction in Ilocos Sur may have been the reason why it was supposedly “Diego and Gabriela Silang’s favorite date spot during the 17th century.”

Highlights:

Located on a hilltop overlooking the province

Perfect for picture-taking

4. Crisologo Museum

Crisologo Museum is an ancestral home-turned-museum belonging to one of Vigan’s most prominent sons, the late congressman Floro S. Crisologo. His wife, Carmeling, had their home converted in memory of Floro after he was assassinated in Vigan Cathedral.

Highlight:

A cool museum showing memorabilia and some artifacts of Crisologo family

5.  Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo

Looking for a tourist spot in Vigan City that kids would love? You’ll never go wrong with Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo. Just 10 minutes away from Calle Crisologo, Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo lets you get close to nature’s wonderful creatures from cute little birds to big cats a.k.a. tigers. This Vigan Ilocos tourist spot is also dubbed as the “Home of the Big Cats in Vigan,” as it shelters Bengal tigers, white lions, and leopards.

Related article: Top 10 Vigan Tourist Spots You Should Explore Soon

Highlights:

Close encounter with the animals

Perfect for families with kids

6. Pagburnayan Jar Factory

When someone gives you a jar from Vigan City, know that it’s of good quality. Among the most famous jar factories in the province is the Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Here they make the jars from a grade-A clay which is abundant in the area.

Pagburnayan, comes from the root word burnay. It refers to the hand-crafted earthenware pots made from Vigan. Bantog clays these are called. They’re dug from the western barangays of the city. I once asked a cuchero who was touring me around where they would get more of these, if supplies ran out. Impossible, he says, they’ve been sourcing their materials from that area since Chinese immigrants came to Vigan City and established the craft.

Highlight:

One of the few authentic jar makers in Vigan

7.  RG Jar Factory

Another tourist spot in Vigan City that lets you unleash the creativity in you is the RG Jar Factory. Like Pagburnayan, you can also buy jars and pots here and even make your own. The jar makers can demo how it’s done and let you create your own clay pot or jar. The place does not have any entrance fees whatsoever but you could donate any amount, it’s up to you.

Highlight:

Lets you create your own jars

8.  Syquia Mansion Museum

Want to see how the wealthy lived in the past? Go to Syquia Mansion. Located in Quirino Boulevard, this tourist spot in Vigan City has been decorated with antique furniture, paintings, and exhibits from the time of President Elpidio Quirino, a native of Vigan. The stunning house was owned by Quirino’s wife, who belonged to the affluent Syquia family.

Highlight:

Home to ancient furniture, relics, and paintings

9.  Padre Burgos House

If you’ve read Philippine history books, you’ll surely be familiar with the three martyr priests during the Spanish times: GomBurZa. Among those three priests lived in Ilocos Sur and that is Padre Jose Burgos. His home is now a famous attraction in Ilocos Sur. Padre Burgos House features different exhibits and a look to the priest’s life.

This museum is the ancestral house and birthplace of priest patriot Fr. Jose Burgos. Known as Padre Burgos House, it is one of the notable historic structures of Vigan, the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is a two-story structure located near the Provincial Capitol and close to St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral. It was renovated by the Filipinas Foundation, Inc. and inaugurated on May 3, 1975. In January 1989, a Contract of Lease was executed by the Ilocos Sur Historical and Cultural Foundation, Inc. leasing the memorabilia for 50 years, and turning over the administration to the National Museum.

Highlights:

Showcases various exhibits and collections

Shows how Padre Burgos lived

10.  Plaza Salcedo

Located between Vigan Cathedral and the Provincial Capitol, Plaza Salcedo is a great spot for picture taking at day and turns to a stage of dancing lights at night. The water in the fountain is always right on cue and dances to the beat of the music. What a sight to catch while munching on the best Vigan empanada. Don’t miss this Vigan Ilocos tourist spot for a fun night!

This is like their version of a mini Luneta Park. Fronting the UNESCO protected Vigan Cathedral , it is flanked by several offices , fast food outlets , shops . It has its own dark history , its own Rizal monument , but gets filled at night with its renowned dancing fountains which is free to the public. For the sake of photo opportunities, just include this in the Vigan itinerary . One of the must see.

Highlights:

Dancing fountains

Near many food stalls

11.  Hidden Garden

Another attraction in Ilocos Sur that will delight your eyes and tummy is Hidden Garden in Vigan. It’s not just a garden though as there are food stalls and a cafe where you can eat while appreciating the beautiful view. They also sell plants and flowers there.

Highlights:

Lots of souvenir items made from indigenous materials

Very Instagrammable spot

12. Mindoro Beach of Vigan

Vigan Ilocos Sur tourist spots are not just about historical places and heritage sites but it also takes pride in sites for RnR. One of the best spots is Mindoro Beach that offers a front-facing view of the West Philippine Sea. The sand there is black fine and smooth as powder.

Highlights:

Not too crowded

Perfect place to relax because of the calming ambiance of the beach

13.  Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone

If you’re looking for some adrenaline rush, add Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone to your Ilocos Sur itinerary. Here you can ride a zip line that  traverses the towns of Santa and Bantay, so you have a perfect view of the Abra River down below as well as the old and new Quirino bridges.

The sports and recreation facility also offers more adrenaline-pumping activities like a giant swing, kayaking, and rock climbing and rappelling at the rocky Banaoang mountains. This is definitely one of the most fun tourist spots in Ilocos Sur that’s hard to miss.

Highlights:

Recreational activities

Perfect for family and friends

14.  Sta. Maria Church

Most of the famous tourist spots in Ilocos Sur comprises old churches that are definitely worth visiting. Among the notable ones is the Sta. Maria Church. This Santa Maria Ilocos Sur tourist spot is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site as part of the baroque churches in the country. The Augustinians had this built in the 1760s. This destination is a historical piece that tells a story about the country’s past. You’ll also see its bell tower several meters away from the church which is a layout that is unique to its time.

Highlights:

Features baroque architecture

UNESCO-listed Heritage Site as part of the baroque churches in the Philippines

15.  Candon Church

Also known as the Saint John of Sahagun Parish Church, Candon Church was constructed with an Earthquake Baroque design like most other churches built hundred years ago.

What makes this Candon City tourist spot fascinating is its four-storey octagonal bell tower that has alternating open and blind apertures, a balustrade and is topped by a campanile. Don’t miss this as it’s one of the must-visit Candon Ilocos Sur tourist spots.

Highlights:

Earthquake Baroque architecture

Octagonal bell tower

16.  Narvacan Church

Established in 1576, Narvacan Church, also known as Saint Lucy Parish Church, first served as a visita and a first house of worship for the locals. This church stood the test of time and survived many natural calamities and the two World Wars. This Narvacan Ilocos Sur tourist spot is definitely a must-visit.

Highlight:

Known as one of the first seats of Christianity in Ilocos

17.  Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls

If you want to take a break from the historical places in Vigan Ilocos Sur, refresh yourself by taking a quick dip at the Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls. Its name is an Ilocano term which means “Falls of Happiness.” This 30-meter high Suyo Ilocos Sur tourist spot attracts both local and foreign tourists alike because of its picturesque view even if it’s located in a remote area.

Highlights:

Perfect for a quick dip

Stunning surroundings

18.  Archbishop’s Palace

Sitting right next to Vigan Cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace. What makes it interesting is its architectural features that include sliding capiz shell windows, cut-out decorations with flower motifs, and a garden.

This Vigan Ilocos tourist spot miraculously survived the destruction brought by World War II and it is the only surviving example of an 18th century archbishop’s palace in the country.

Highlights:

The only remaining 18th century palace of this kind in the Philippines

Museo Nueva Segovia that is home to a collection of priceless ecclesiastical artifacts and relics from other churches from around the Ilocos region