Part 10 of a series
DAY 2
In between Plaza Salcedo and Plaza Burgos is the Cathedral of Vigan
4:20pm. I have this unexplainable interest on the architecture of centuries-old churches so when I saw this massive grand structure beside the Plaza Burgos, my heart was thumping in excitement! I knew it. It was the Vigan Cathedral!
Dedicated to St. Paul and also known as the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, the facade features Chinese lion dog ornaments and above the main doorway is an alcove depicting the conversion of St. Paul. The Fu dogs design carved above its outermost doors is testament to Vigan’s strong Chinese heritage.
Inside, the Cathedral has a main altar with beaten-silver panels.
The first Vigan Cathedral was ordered and built in 1574 by Juan de Salcedo.
Another version of the church was again constructed in 1641. The present baroque-style building was completed in 1800.
Its bell tower stands separately in Plaza Burgos. The bell tower was built 15 meters away, separate from the main church building – so that if one structure was destroyed in an earthquake, the other might still remain standing. The belltower is about 25 meters high and is surmounted by a large bronze weathercock that is said to symbolize St Peter.
The bell tower. Argh those overhead cables!
(…to be continued)
