Philippines/Luzon: Vigan
Vigan feels like a Spanish or South American colonial city with well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The city was founded in 1572, and despite many earthquakes, still preserves most of its old colonial charm, one of the only cities in Philippines. There is a beautiful baroque St Paul’s Cathedral and two plazas with many monuments next to it – Plaza Burgos and Plaza Salcedo. Archbishop’s Residence is also facing the plazas and there are many horse-drawn carriage plowing the cobblestone streets. The most picturesque is the semi-pedestrian Calle Crisologo, full of restaurant and souvenier vendors, lined up with aging colonial mansions. Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
