Plaza Salcedo - Ilocos Sur

Located in front of Saint Paul's Cathedral in Vigan City in the province of Ilocos Sur, Plaza Salcedo is a very important and historical part of the Heritage City of Vigan.

Plaza Salcedo

Plaza Salcedo Details

Plaza Salcedo is named in honor of the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo. He was the one who subdued the natives residing in the territory now known as Vigan City. Afterward, he established a colony named Villa Fernandina in the location in 1572.

Plaza Salcedo - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

That's Dr. Jose Rizal, not Juan Salcedo

Plaza Salcedo is specifically designed to show the typical Spanish urban design. In the center of the plaza, you'd find the Salcedo Obelisk. A lagoon was added in the seventies not only for aesthetic purposes but for protection. As you can see, because most of the houses are made from wood, fire brings plenty of destruction to Vigan throughout history.  

Vigan Cathedral is just in front of Plaza Salcedo

The plaza served plenty of purposes during the Spanish Colonial period. It served as a parade ground for the Spanish troops, a meeting venue for important announcements, and even as an execution site. Just a bit of a trivia, the famous Filipina revolutionary Gabriela Silang was publicly hanged in the plaza in September 1763 to serve as a warning to those who wanted to join the revolution.

Visiting Vigan City would not be complete without visiting Plaza Salcedo.

A quick stop at Plaza Salcedo before heading to Cagayan

I got to visit Plaza Salcedo several times already. The first time was during my first visit to Vigan City with my, then-girlfriend, now wife last 2011. I got to revisit it during my Northern Luzon 360 Road Trip way back in 2014. The last time I visited Plaza Salcedo was during my 2017 Ilocos Sur - Ilocos Norte Road Trip with the family. 

Plaza Salcedo Entrance Fee

It's FREE to visit and explore Plaza Salcedo.

Plaza Salcedo Operating Hours

Plaza Salcedo is open 24/7. Heads up the fountain of Plaza Salcedo was improved and is now known as the Dancing Fountain of Plaza Salcedo. The Dancing Fountain has operates every night from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. However, it holds a second show from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM every weekend.

Why visit Plaza Salcedo?

Plaza Salcedo might look like a common plaza in the morning but if you visit it at 7:30 -8:00PM you would surely enjoy its Dancing Fountain shows. 

Getting to Plaza Salcedo:


From Manila, ride a bus heading to Vigan City. Board down near the Vigan arch and ride a tricycle heading to Calle Crisologo. From there you could walk to Plaza Salcedo.
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Location: Plaza Salcedo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

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