Vigan Cathedral - Ilocos Sur

Located in Burgos Street in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Vigan Cathedral was a Spanish colonial-era church built sometime in 1574. It is one of the oldest structures in Vigan City.

Vigan Cathedral

Vigan Cathedral details

Also known as St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan Cathedral, like most big churches in the region, one might notice that the bell tower is always placed meters away from the church to protect both structures from falling to each other during earthquakes.
Vigan Cathedral - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Vigan Cathedral NHI Marker

The statue of St. Paul is seen on the facade of the cathedral

Vigan Cathedral's architectural design is often referred to as the earthquake Baroque style, which is typical of most churches built in the 16th century. The cathedral also features Neo-Gothic and pseudo-Romanesque elements.

The bell tower of Vigan Cathedral

Vigan Cathedral's interior

Vigan Cathedral's main altar

One of the side altars of Vigan Cathedral

Marble tombstone of some of the influential residents can now be seen inside Vigan Cathedral

The first building was destroyed by an earthquake and then by fire in 1739. the current church was constructed in 1790 and was finished in 1800. Today, Vigan Cathedral is one of those old churches that is usually visited by pilgrims. 

Vigan Cathedral facade

The retablo and altars of Vigan Cathedral

Another tombstone can be seen in this pillar

Vigan Cathedral as seen from Plaza Salcedo 

Vigan Cathedral Christmas of 2017

Vigan Cathedral

I visited Vigan Cathedral during the Ilocos Road Trip with my wife way back in 2011. What I like about the cathedral is its location. Unlike most old churches in Manila, Vigan Cathedral is almost free from peddlers and pollution. What I like most about the cathedral is the solemnity inside the church. Given perfect timing, you would hear the soft prayers echoing from within the church.

The Backpack Adventures visits Vigan Cathedral

Vigan Cathedral Entrance Fee

It's FREE to enter Vigan Cathedral and explore its grounds.

Vigan Cathedral Mass Schedule

Monday - Friday: 6AM -7AM / 5:15PM - 6:15PM
Saturday: 6AM - 7AM / 5PM - 6PM (Anticipated Mass)
Sunday: 6AM - 7AM / 7:30AM -8:30AM / 9AM -10AM (FB Live) / 10:30AM - 11:30AM / 3:30PM - 4:30PM / 5PM - 6PM

Why visit Vigan Cathedral?

Vigan Cathedral is a must-visit destination in the heritage city of Vigan. It is one of the historic spots in the city which undeniably has very picturesque architecture. You should also include this whenever you are on a pilgrimage or Visita Iglesia in the province. 

Getting to Vigan Cathedral:


From Manila board a bus heading to Laoag City. Inform the conductor to drop you off in front of the Vigan arc. From there you could ride tricycles to tour you around town. In our case, we rented a tricycle. We managed to haggle for a price of P500 for a whole day tour.

Ratings:
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Overall rating
Location: Burgos St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

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