La Nuestra Señora de La Asuncion Parish Church

Vigan

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A Unesco World Heritage Site 38km south of Vigan, this massive baroque structure built in 1769 is unique. It has an imposing brick facade and sits alone on a hill – rather than in the town square like most Spanish churches – overlooking the town of Santa Maria, giving it a Wild West kinda vibe.

It’s not hard to see why it was used as a fortress during the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

Take any Manila-bound bus to Santa Maria. It's a long ride (80 minutes) for a short visit but if you're lucky you may catch a wedding or other event.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Craft store on historic Crisologo Street, Mestizo District.

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Nearby Vigan attractions

1. Rowilda's Weaving Factory

15.19 MILES

In barangay Camanggaan, just a 10-minute tricycle ride southeast of Vigan, you can watch abel hand-weavers in action at Rowilda’s Weaving Factory, which…

2. Cristy's Loom Weaving

15.24 MILES

In barangay Camanggaan, just a 10-minute tricycle ride southeast of Vigan, you can watch abel hand-weavers in action.

3. Quema House

15.34 MILES

Beautifully preserved mansion, not open to the public.

4. Syquia Mansion Museum

15.38 MILES

The Syquia Mansion is filled with old furniture and exhibits dedicated to the life of Vigan native Elpidio Quirino, the Philippines’ sixth president…

5. Crisologo Museum

15.43 MILES

The Crisologos, Vigan’s most prominent political dynasty, have converted their ancestral home into this strangely compelling family shrine. In addition to…

6. Mestizo District

15.5 MILES

The Mestizo District, or Kasanglayan ('where the Chinese live'), is a grid of streets hemmed in between Plaza Burgos and Liberation Blvd and bisected by…

7. Pottery Factories

15.59 MILES

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Chinese settlers pioneered a still-active pottery industry. You can visit a couple of pottery factories on Gomez St…

8. Museo San Pablo

15.65 MILES

The Museo San Pablo, behind the altar of St Paul Cathedral, is a good place to see old santos (religious statues). Make sure to have a look at the…