history

The history of Vigan.


Esteban Pichay Villanueva, Basi Revolt Paintings

Esteban Pichay Villanueva, Basi Revolt Paintings Esteban Villanueva’s mark in Ilocano history and the Philippine art scene was indelibly made with his creation of the fourteen paintings of the Basi Revolt that is now housed in the Father Burgos Museum. This simple farmer, born in Vigan in 1797, was asked […]


American Period, World War II and After

American Period, World War II and After After the signing of the Treaty of Paris in December 1898, transferring the fate of the Philippine islands from Spanish colonial masters to American ones, the North became the site of many of the battles against the Americans fought by the Filipino resistance […]


Diego Silang and Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang

Diego Silang and Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang The first major revolution waged against the Spaniards was waged by the Silangs during the time of the British forces’ military incursion in the Philippines which began in September 1762. It was the period of the Seven Year’s War between the British and […]


Vigan Spanish Period

Vigan Spanish Period Through a papal bull by Pope Clement VIII, a diocese called Nueva Segovia in Cagayan’s city of Lallo was recognized as the religious center of the North of Luzon. However, the conditions in Lallo subjected the bishops to being flooded during the wet season and in danger […]


First European Encounter

First European Encounter Juan de Salcedo arrived with around 80 soldiers in June 1572. He came to Vigan upon instructions from Spain’s King Philip II and then Governor General Guido de Lavezares to establish Spanish presence in the area. It seems though that this is not the first incursion of […]


First inhabitants

First inhabitants Throughout history, most first settlers locate themselves near waterways, where they can fish for food, and have access to water for drinking and watering their crops once planting is learned. Settlers also use the waterways as natural buffer against enemies and a faster means than land to move […]