MANILA, Philippines – Established by the Spanish in 1572 during the Colonial Period, Vigan City, the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur, is the best place to experience Spanish colonial-era architecture in Asia. With its beautiful architecture and cobblestone roads, the city was recently picked among “13 of Asia's most picturesque towns” by CNN.
While the new recognition was happily accepted by Filipinos, this did not come as a surprise to many who knew that Vigan City has been established as a UNESCO World Heritage City.
 |
| Photo credit: WikiMedia / Reguero87 |
What sets the city apart from most of the places in the country is that it was carefully planned out by Conquistador Juan de Salcedo. Dark wood interiors, dazzling capiz-shell windows, and unmistakable Spanish-style architecture can be seen throughout the grand mansions and other landmarks across the city that was planned out like a grid.
 |
| Photo credit: WikiMedia / Jesstine Co |
de Salcedo made sure to map out everything, from churches to schools to markets to the grand mansions that spread out in this picturesque city. What’s fantastic is that the city was able to preserve most of its centuries-old architecture.
Today, the city remains one of the most beautiful cities in the Philippines and has been recognized as among the 13 most picturesque in Asia.
 |
| Photo credit: WikiMedia / Ma. Isabel Sheila Solidum |
Plaza Salcedo, the city’s central square, is home to most of the colonial buildings in the area. The white and yellow St Paul's Cathedral is not just a place of worship but also a grand landmark. Though the Baroque structure was built in 1641; though it had to be repaired and restored after suffering from several fires and earthquakes throughout the centuries.
 |
| Photo credit: WikiMedia / Jesstine Co |
Even to this day, you can still take kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) rides around the city. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the city as you can imagine getting transported back in time while you explore the landmarks and well-preserved heritage houses.
When in Vigan, make it a point to stroll along Calle Crisologo or take that kalesa ride through this beautiful street.
 |
| Photo credit: WikiMedia / Negdelacruz |
Day or night, the place is an exciting place to visit! Better yet, go there by day and have another stroll at night…
 |
| Photo credit: WikiMedia / Irvin Parco Sto. Tomas |
Other towns and cities that made it to the list are: Hoi An in Vietnam, Yufuin in Japan, George Town in Malaysia, Luang Prabang in Laos, Kampot in Cambodia, Kota Gede in Indonesia, Galle in Sri Lanka, Zhouzhuang in China, Mawlynnong in India, Ghandruk in Nepal, Sai Kung in Hong Kong, and Phuket Town in Thailand.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
