The Historical Calle Crisologo of Vigan City - thoughts and opinion
Calle Crisologo - The street that made Vigan famousWhen people speak of Vigan, what mostly comes into mind is that sole street that makes you feel like you'd gone back in time. That's Calle Crisologo, and perhaps that's what made Vigan qualify into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, something about Vigan makes me feel like there's some missed opportunities, or like there's something that doesn't fit right.
We came all the way from Laoag to Vigan, which a lot of people do (hitting two birds, the North and the South of Ilocos, with one trip). That was my second time in the area, and it's uncanny how I have the same comment about the place despite the visits being years apart. It was rather unimpressive given the facts that: (1) the only preserved heritage area in Vigan is this street, and (2) Calle Crisolog has turned into a marketplace.
 |
| Calle Crisologo has also evolved into marketplace for souvenirs and other merchandise |
If people will be given a chance to visit one place only in Vigan, I believe they will choose this one -- the famous Calle Crisologo. This is the heart of Vigan, and without this street, it wouldn't be as popular as it is now.
Although most parts of the city was declared as a heritage site, Calle Crisologo is the only street that is well-preserved in terms of the Spanish-Filipino heritage particularly the house structure, the road and the ambiance. It surely gives you a glimpse of what the past was like.
 |
| The beauty of Calle Crisologo lies on its historical feel and structures |
To cut it all short, Calle Crisologo gets most of its appeal from the "preservation" of its Hispanic structures. Arguably, it's sort of the Intramuros of Vigan but only of much smaller scale.
Calle Crisologo - a marketplace?
Unfortunately, most of the houses here in Calle Crisolog are either unkept or inhabitable (not unless they only seem like it, and that people are actually living in there). However, most of them had their ground floors renovated to house all the souvenir shops. This turned the historical street into a busy marketplace, and I don't know if I'll be happy about it.
Well, the bright side of this is you'll find most of your souvenir needs here.
 |
| Wooden crafts for souvenirs - find almost all you need here in Calle Crisologo |
Unfortunately, most of the houses here in Calle Crisolog are either unkept or inhabitable (not unless they only seem like it, and that people are actually living in there). However, most of them had their ground floors renovated to house all the souvenir shops. This turned the historical street into a busy marketplace, and I don't know if I'll be happy about it.
Well, the bright side of this is you'll find most of your souvenir needs here.
 |
| Pinoy Souvenirs found in the shops along Calle Crisologo of Vigan |
 |
| Hand-crafted souvenirs sold along the Calle Crisologo of Vigan City |
Now, putting that on the side, I was able to still appreciate the structure and historical feel of the street. Also, the great thing about Calle Crisologo is how it practically looks amazing when you take a snapshot. Yes, it's admittedly photogenic. In fact, it's extremely photogenic that it looks better in photos than in real life. I din't know if we share the same sentiment, but I felt tricked by the photos I saw in the internet.
Being a lover of the brighter side of things, we just focused on that good side of Calle Crisologo, and took the opportunity to immortalize memories through pictures.
Oh, before I forget, riding the Calesa is one of the top suggested activity here in Vigan! It is just pure classic as you indulge yourself with the Filipino-Spanish heritage while the breeze lifts your spirit!
Below are some of the great photos taken by my friend, Alberto Del Rosario. I'm just including them here to showcase them. Plus, I feel like I'm a frustrated fashion blogger, so allow me to bask under this moment of pretence.
Anyway, you may want to check out Calle Crisologo at night because it radiates a more serene and momentous ambiance. Just see for yourself with this photo.
Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur in a Nutshell
Calle Crisologo may be too commercialized with the presence of excessive souvenir shops, and it is possibly at risk right now of losing its charm with all of these distractions going on. However, this does not change the fact that you'll still feel the Hispanic vibe in the area with all the structures and calesa.
Overall, I don't see this as a "must-visit" place because it has the potential to disappoint, but of course, if it wouldn't take too much time from your stay, go check this place out as well.
Being a lover of the brighter side of things, we just focused on that good side of Calle Crisologo, and took the opportunity to immortalize memories through pictures.
 |
| A Not-So-Popular with some of his great high school friends! Photo by Nathaniel Chan |
 |
| The fun Calesa ride in the city of Filipino-Spanish Heritage, Vigan! |
Below are some of the great photos taken by my friend, Alberto Del Rosario. I'm just including them here to showcase them. Plus, I feel like I'm a frustrated fashion blogger, so allow me to bask under this moment of pretence.
Anyway, you may want to check out Calle Crisologo at night because it radiates a more serene and momentous ambiance. Just see for yourself with this photo.
 |
| Calle Crisologo (of Vigan City) basking in the glory of the night |
Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur in a Nutshell
Calle Crisologo may be too commercialized with the presence of excessive souvenir shops, and it is possibly at risk right now of losing its charm with all of these distractions going on. However, this does not change the fact that you'll still feel the Hispanic vibe in the area with all the structures and calesa.
Overall, I don't see this as a "must-visit" place because it has the potential to disappoint, but of course, if it wouldn't take too much time from your stay, go check this place out as well.
How about you - do you recommend this place?
