Vigan Cathedral: One of the Major Religious Landmarks in the Philippines

Also known as Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of the Conversion of Saint Paul is a must visit when you go to Vigan City. It was considered a major religious landmark not only in Northern Luzon but the country as well.

The original church was constructed in 1574. The church as it stands now was completed in 1800. This is truly one of the oldest churches in the country, although it looks new.

The first and original chapel was made of wood and thatch was built with the command of the Spanish founder of Vigan, Juan de Salcedo. The facade of the church does not look impressive compare to the other old churches in the province and the country.  However, it said that the interior of the church is something to be admired.

 

The church has endured a lot of natural calamities, earthquakes and fire. The latest of this calamities was the July 27, 2022 earthquake that hit the province of Ilocos. As of today, February 8, 2025, when I checked online, the church is already opened for patrons.

 

Early Church Structures:

• 1574: The first temporary church was built from wood and thatch by order of Juan de Salcedo, the Spanish founder of Vigan
• 1641: A church replaced the chapel, but was damaged by earthquakes in 1619 and 1627
• 1739: A third church was burned

Current Church:

• 1790: The cornerstone of the current church was laid
• 1800: The church was completed in the Earthquake Baroque style
• Earthquake of 2022: The church was damaged and is currently being restored
• 2025: The church is now fully open for patrons
  

Current Features:

• The church has three naves, a choir loft, and twelve altars with hammered-silver panels
• The church's facade and brass communion rails show Chinese influences
• The church's bell tower is located in Plaza Burgos and is surmounted by a large bronze weathercock
• The church has Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Chinese inspired embellishments

I only saw this church when we had our Kalesa tour ride and took a couple of pictures.  It's not included in the tour so you can just visit later on when you have extra time.  I will definitely visit this church when I go back to Ilocos Sur.