VIGAN TRAVEL: Embark On A Historical Journey in Calle Crisologo
Famous for its array of old stone houses built centuries ago and the cobblestone streets where numerous calesas stride across the street, visiting this old town will bring you back to the Filipino-Spanish colonial era.
Calle Crisologo, also known as Mena Crisologo Street, is a notable tourist attraction in the heritage city of Vigan.
Calle Crisologo boasts of century-old houses, cobblestone streets, and calesas
Named after the prominent Ilocano poet, writer, playwright and politician Marcelino “Mena” Crisologo, this historical street is where you’ll find abundant ancestral homes of Ilocano descendants still standing strong up to this date.
These Spanish-style houses are a perfect representation of the simple yet elegant living of the Filipino-Spanish families back in the day.
Every edifice seen in the street is fancily decorated with Spanish details from the red bricks, thick stone walls, wooden double doors and grand staircases to the magnificent terraces and capiz windows. These houses have withstood calamities throughout the centuries and as of today, some were maintained or restored as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
A way to enjoy a tour along Calle Crisologo is through walking or riding the traditional “calesas” or horse-drawn carriages. These calesas are used as a mode of transportation back in the 18th century.
Now, tourists can rent a calesa and relish in historical sightseeing around the area.
A better way to experience the old Spanish vibe is by riding the calesas
Calle Crisologo is also rich in gastronomic spots such as Irene’s Vigan Empanada, Uno Grill, and Cafe Leona; souvenir shops, where you can buy hand-woven items, keychains, t-shirts; and vintage museums.
The best time to tour Calle Crisologo is early morning when restaurants and souvenir shops start to open, and during nighttime when the street is lit with tungsten lamps that give off an 18th century vibe.
Calle Crisologo at night
Take note that cars are not allowed to pass nor park along Calle Crisologo, however, neighboring streets can be used as a parking space given the permission by your accommodation in Vigan.
How to get here:
- By car: From Candon, Ilocos Sur, take the MacArthur Highway going to the north, then make a left turn to Quirino Boulevard. Turn onto Silang Street and turn right to Calle Crisologo.
- By public transport: From Manila, you can ride buses heading to Vigan such as Farinas, Partas, and Viron Transit. From the bus terminal, you may either hail a taxi or tricycle going to Calle Crisologo.
General Information:
Address: Crisologo St., Mestizo District, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Operating hours: 24 hours (some establishments close early)
A version of this appeared in Philippine Primer’s Japanese (Vol. 104) and English (Vol. 11) magazines
Updated as of January 31, 2019
