|
|
|
Philippines Travel The Old World Charm Of Ilocos
oing to the province of this place Ciudad Fernandina
Ilocos is like treading after King Ferdinand of Spain.
back in time. Not only for Right across the plaza is the St.
the Spanish colonial houses, but Paul's Cathedral built in 1641
for the simple, laid-back feel of and which came under the Diocese
the towns and its people. of Nueva Segovia in 1758.
In old times, Ilocandia has been A few minutes walk will bring you
described as a God-forsaken land to the Burgos House. Now
because of its arid and difficult converted into a museum, the
terrain. But the hardy people of house is the birthplace of Fr.
this province had the patience Jose Burgos, one of the priests
and the will to survive, and executed in Cavite during the
eventually turned it into a lush revolution. The museum houses
and abundant highland. Amidst all what were left of the Burgos
these, is a rich history family belongings which include
consisting of legendary antique furnitures, clothing and
uprisings, monumental edifices, other artifacts donated by some
and noble men and women who have prominent families in Vigan.
made Ilocos a unique and
remarkable place that it is Indeed, Vigan is best known for
today. its Castillian houses with old
tile roofs, hardwood floorings
Vigan is a sleepy town at the and azoteas. These houses are
heart of Ilocos Sur. It's easy to located in Heritage Village which
find your way around because the is the core of the Mestizo
people are friendly and warm to district. Some of the houses
visitors. At the center of the remain in possession of
town is Plaza Salcedo erected in descendants of their original
honor of Juan Salcedo who named owners with the antique interiors
and furnishings intact, while antique furniture around VIgan's
some of these ancestral homes antique stores or visit pottery
have been turned into cozy inns, factories along Rizal street for
museums, and souvenir shops. ceramic products. These factories
will be more than happy to give a
Although many of these houses demonstration on pottery-making.
have been converted into You can also buy woven blankets
commercial establishments, the and table napkins at low prices.
brick structures are preserved.
The whole block breathes in an Vigan has been declared a World
eerie feeling emphasized more by Heritage Site and it is
the calezas or horse-drawn recommended that you view the
carriages which remain a mode of houses at night with the streets
transportation around town. lighted perfectly and the air
cool.
You can buy real or reproduction
About the Author:
John Grant has been living in the Philippines for 5 years and has travelled the country extensively. His online Philippines Travel Guide gives you an extensive coverage of destinations like Ilocos
Source: www.isnare.com
|
|
