st paul metropolitan cathedral

SurreyGirl27

A charming and beautiful building that is well preserved and a fully operational cathedral. By chance a confirmation was going on on my arrival and I was made to feel very welcome. Beautiful acoustics and splendid decor in a well preserved historical religious building.

Victorianlad

We were able to attend a well patronised Sunday evening Mass in English.The Cathedral dates from 1641 although this was not apparent to me when attending Mass.Its bell tower is the central feature of Vigan and a very noticeable landmark.There was a bit if noise from karaoke nearby but not too bad.The altar and religious icons are impressive.

simplyCarol396

After visiting several churches in our country, I would definitely vote it for one of the Philippines best churches! The interior of the church is so beautiful and the history it has is so fascinating!The church was originally built as a chapel made of wood dated back 15th century. In 16th century it was replaced as a church then by 17th century it turned into cathedral. The whole church was constructed so firmly to ensure safety and not to be destroyed by earthquakes. Over the centuries, it survived number of earthquakes already. At present, the church has an impressive altar, high ceiling, admirable sections for devotion, great religious images/icons and very beautiful belfry. The Cathedral is centrally located. It is in front of Plaza Salcedo ( where the fountain show is being held every night) and very near to Calle Crisologo (the heritage site) Don't miss visiting the church when you are in Vigan. There's a belief that when its your first time to visit a place, don't forget to visit first the church to ensure safe stay and travel back home!

ottob704

A nice Cathedral in the typical Spanish style, I would say! Could be anywhere, but worthwhile seeing it just next to the center square !

bluisheila25

I'm not a catholic and not really into churches and I did not come in to see.Though it's a must to visit Heritage places as for me and it's my pleasure to share my photos of this church to the world. And this church is not an exception to visit if you'd land to Vigan, trust me, you don't want to miss this even if the Ilocos Region is rich of old-restored churches. That's why we are traveling right? The sides of the churches were kalesa parking space as you can see on my photos.Here's for your added info:"Part and parcel of the UNESCO World Heritage stamp that encompasses the whole city, Vigan’s St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral stands as one of the town’s most prominent landmark. It sits in front of Plaza Salcedo where the dancing fountain is located. On its right is Plaza Burgos; while on its left sits the Archbishop's Palace of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia." - LakadPilipinas.com

chloeb778

We visited as it was the main site we were told to see. It was just another church to me, however I'm not really into churches.

noels764

Im a history buff, love looking and old buildings that are still in use today. This old church built in 1641 is in excellent condition. have a rest and sit to reflect its past and dont forget to place a small donation in the box.

Hayzen11

Vigan is an uncut gem. A wonderful colonial town, yet untouristy, even though souvenir shops are still all around. Lack of hotels and western-style food must be detracting more tourists from visiting here. Anyway, the Cathedral is the centrepiece of the town and is quite lovely. Try to climb the belltower nearby as well, if it's open. All in all, it's a pretty place overall.

GaryJ602

I visit with my lovely wife to the cathedral so many people there never in uk like that so humble place .

MijnlieverdFH

Churches in this region are captivating and of great design. The restoration and the new painting of this cathedral have made it more alluring. The architectural design is the evidence of the early christian churches same to that of the early christian designed churches in Europe.The belfry at the side of the church matches the lovely church.

LIANNE08

How can you just ignore the bells ringing like a holy voice calling you to visit the cathedral. Yes, it was Dec. 31 that we we're just walking along the plaza when we heard the bells sound. We can't refuse the sound and we ended up attending the whole mass even it was on Ilocano dialect. But it was such a good mass and people were packed up.The Cathedral exterior was painted in a sweet mellow light color and the inside is an old Spanish Cathedral.

tommomelbourne

The original structure was as a chapel and was built in 1574 and made of wood and thatch. In 1641 the chapel was replaced by a church. The cathedral follows the Baroque architectural design to strengthen the structure against earthquakes.The church as it stands now was completed in 1800. Lovely church and worth visiting when in Vigan. Is only a short walk from the best street in Vigan Calle Crisologo.

mahalkitam2013

First thing we did, we attended the mass and we were amazed with the architecture of the church. My bf was amazed with the inside.

johnni147

Nice location, nice facade, plain interior... It's just a church that happens to be near Calle Crisologo. The churches in Santa Maria and in Santa Lucia are more beautiful and more impressive.

Nafis

Also known as the Vigan Cathedral, the St. Paul (Metropolitan) Cathedral is another example of an ‘earthquake’ (buttresses on the side) Baroque church. However, the buttresses are not as massive as those seen in the St Augustine's Church at Paoay (a world heritage site not far from Vigan). Although the original structure was built 1574, the church as is seen now was apparently completed in 1800. It is a Vigan landmark, and seems to be a ‘must visit’ for all local visitors. As it is in the town center, it is a convenient spot to start a tour of the city in any case. Facing the cathedral is the Salcedo Plaza and water park (with a fine water-music show on Saturday evenings). On one side is the Plaza Burgos while on the other side are the Episcopal Palace or the bishop’s residence, the diocesan seminary and the Vigan Municipal Hall. Other historical landmarks, places of interest and restaurants are within walking distance from here.