Calle Crisologo

Introduction

Calle Crisologo is the most visited tourist spot in the historical Vigan City. It is famous and notable for its variety of Filipino-Spanish ancestral homes and cobblestone streets that perfectly capture the Spanish colonial period in the Ilocos region.

According to its history, Calle Crisologo was once known as Calle Escolta de Vigan in the fifteenth century where prosperous families built their houses because of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. Then in the twentieth century, it was named Calle Crisologo as a tribute to the late illustrious Ilocano writer and governor named Mena Pecson Crisologo since during his time he is admired and honored in the Ilocos region. In the 1940’s during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, many houses were wrecked by fire. Nonetheless, after the war, the burned houses were rebuilt and restored and later converted into inns, cafes, and souvenir shops selling various items such as antiques, furniture, accessories, and souvenirs. On the year 1999, Calle Crisologo was listed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage site because it displays a compact concentration of century houses as well as antique cobblestone where horse-drawn carriages are still used for day-to-day transportation. As of today, the 500-meter-long Calle Crisologo is visited by thousands of tourists every week and is the most photographed street in Vigan City. It is worth visiting both day and night as each timezone has its own charisma to offer.

Name: Calle Crisologo
Location: Mestizo District, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Features: fifteenth century-old Spanish architectural house and cobblestones street pavements

My trip to Calle Crisologo

After exploring the two-story Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc Ilocos Norte, our group heads to our next destination which is Vigan City. It was Sunday afternoon around 5:30 pm in perfect weather when our group arrived at Vigan City. However, our driver was having a hard time parking the high-roof van around the Plaza Burgos because it was peak summer season and it was a long weekend at that time so the place is so jam-packed. Anyway, after a few minutes, we go out of the van and started walking towards Calle Crisologo.

The moment we reach Calle Crisologo we saw a bunch of horse-drawn carriages also known as kalesa. The street is so busy with lots of tourists coming in and out. In spite of that, the street is so clean and free from the bad smell. As a result, we take many videos and pictures as a retrospect of this nostalgic and historic place. As we continue our walking, we can see souvenir shops lined up on both sides. We found out that they sell affordable items, take-home gifts, original food products, blankets, hand-woven clothes, and world-class accessories. So some of the members buy souvenirs while others just enjoy strolling around Calle Crisologo.

To be honest, I didn’t get bored walking because there were lots of things to see such as Vigan delicacies, cafes, and restaurants serving local cuisine. Apart from this, the place is still restricted to vehicular traffic adds to the 15th-century vibe of the lovely-filled street. Also, walking on this street makes me feel like I was taken back in time and lived in the ancient days because of the amazing cobblestone walkways and well-preserved old houses.

At some point, I marvel at the historical past of this place. The authenticity that this old city existed with these houses means that it was a thriving area in its heyday. Also, the texture of the road and walls feel very genuine, and its old grandeur can be felt in the architecture of the area. The vibrant colors and intricate details make it a photographer’s utopia. From my point of view, while exploring this place I feel like I’m in an old film because of the classical setting. Indeed, it was worth the walk.

Then we decided to ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage to experience and enjoy the tour while sightseeing around the rich heritage sceneries. It was impressive to see how the Ilocanos safeguard and maintain the ancestral houses. A few seconds later, I can’t help myself but wonder about the lives that had lived here dating back to the eighteenth century because the horse-drawn carriage is the main mode of transportation back then. After our horse ride, we regroup and one member of the group see the elevated platform in the middle of the street. So we decided to have our group picture there as the background is a little bit nice.

It was past 6 pm when restaurants line up tables on the busy street. A night walking tour is so magical at night. Without a doubt, it’s a totally different scene at night as Calle Crisologo transforms into a lively dining strip with tungsten lamps and lantern-lit where lots of local and international tourists eat alfresco and enjoy drinks to cap the night off. In my opinion, Calle Crisologo is much more beautiful during nighttime compared to during the day as the cobblestone streets brightened up that create an enchanting atmosphere.

After our walking tour at Calle Crisologo, we’ve taken our dinner at one of the restaurants near Plaza Maestro’s ground floor. Later we go to the Plaza Salcedo to watch the dancing fountain with music and light shows. Overall, Calle Crisologo is a must-visit for any tourist going to Vigan City.

How to Go to Calle Crisologo

By commute

1. From the Viron transit bus terminal in Cubao, ride an air-conditioned bus going to Vigan City. The bus fare is 880 pesos per person.
2. Then from the Vigan City bus terminal, ride a tricycle or taxi going to Calle Crisologo. 

By private car

1. From Candon City Ilocos Sur, drive at the MacArthur Highway going to the north all the way to Bantay – San Vicente Road.
2. Then turn left going to Quirino Boulevard and later turn right going to Calle Crisologo. Note: cars are not permitted to park along Calle Crisologo, however, you can park the car along the neighboring streets near the Plaza Burgos.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• The calesa ride in Calle Crisologo is 200 pesos and it’s good for three to four people.

• If you don’t want to ride a horse then you can explore the whole of Calle Crisologo by walking.

• Tourists can stay at the heritage house for an affordable amount to experience what it feels like to be inside the inn or heritage house.

• The best time to visit Calle Crisologo is during the late afternoon and at night.

• Last but not least, buy the freshly baked special bibingka at Tongson’s Royal Bibingka just beside the Vigan Plaza. The 16 pieces bibingka cost 260 pesos and the 8 pieces bibingka cost only 135 pesos.
  
  
  

There you have it, history lover. Keep moving forward, opening new doors, doing new things, and always say yes to new adventures and discoveries. Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths and let’s get to know more about our history. On the whole, I wish that this Calle Crisologo blog has been thoughtful to you. Enjoy your travel and be safe.