Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Heritage of the North: Calle Crisologo

Every time my friends ask me where I want to go aside from beaches here in the Philippines I always think ‘bout of Vigan, Ilocos. Why? May be because of stories I’ve always heard and saw on the magazines or even in the movies I’ve watched. Now it’s a realization to step on this place particularly in Calle Crisologo where in the heritage of the place manifested on its fascinated architectural structure.

Information:
The historic town of Vigan was inscribed in the World Heritage List in November 1999 because of its outstanding development in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. It also serves as a testimony to a cultural tradition which has disappeared.

The justification for inscription is as follows:

""Criterion (ii): Vigan represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning.

Criterion (iv): Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well preserved example of European trading town in East and South-East Asia.""

The name Vigan was derived from ""Biga"", a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River. This river was central in the development of trade and community activities in Vigan during the 16th to the 19th centuries. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those from Europe to create a unique culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

CALLE CRISOLOGO. Located at the heart of the Mestizo district. Lined on both sides by centuries-old Vigan Houses, it is made of cobblestones. Ground floors of the old house at Calle Crisologo have been turned into shops where souvenir items and Vigan furniture could be found at reasonable prizes.


The Calle Crisologo Signage.
 
 
The street and old spanish houses that you would find in Calle Crisologo.  There are some houses which is available for accommodation for the tourist.  I hope someday I could try to go back and experience to stay here.
  
Well, I was fascinated to take photos of this native jars.  It reminds me of the jars of my Lola when I was living in her house.  
  
Some native products you would find in Vigan.
 
Kids who helps their parents with their products to sell.
  
Such a fun and enjoyable fine weather living the street of Calle Crisologo.
 

No comments:

Post a Comment