Vigan
Vigan City (美 岸, Hokkien, Peh -oe - jī: Bigan, Pinyin: meian ) is the capital of the Philippine province of Ilocos Sur. The city is located on the western coast of the main island of Luzon facing the South China Sea, 400 km north of Manila. As the oldest existing Spanish colonial town of Vigan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. To the south of Vigan City flows into the river Abra in the sea.
History
The city was originally on an island in a large delta that was formed by the rivers Abra, Mestizo and the Govantes.
The coastal city was a natural harbor and was in the Vorkolonialzeit an important trading center in northern Luzon. There were trade relations with the Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. It was a hustle and bustle in the harbor of Vigan in this time, in addition junks anchored the local Balangays. Given their location, the area was (美 岸, Hokkien ( Peh -oe - jī transcription): Bigan, Mandarin Chinese (Pinyin romanization ): meian ) baptized at German enchanting shores. The most important products of import and export set porcelain, ivory, silk and beeswax dar. Later, in the 16th century, the Spaniards widened its sphere of influence from the Americas to Asia, Vigan served as one of the more important ports of the colonial empire in Asia. In 1572 landed under the conquistador Juan de Salcedo eight Spanish ships on the coast Vigans usher in a conquest and Christianisierungsfeldzug. On board were soldiers and Catholic priest. The Spaniards recognized the budget for the domestic and foreign trade situation Vigans and rebuilt the city after its conquest by the Spanish model again.
In the wake of the British invasion of the Philippines, at the end of the Seven Years' War, it was 1762/63 uprisings in the region. These were led by Diego Silang and his wife Gabriela. Her biggest success was the capture of Vigan in 1763rd
The delta of three rivers silted up in the 19th century and cut the city off from the sea, resulting in a loss of significance for Vigan in domestic trade.
During the Spanish colonial rule, the city was renamed in honor of the son of Philip II in Villa Fernandina. As the city grew in size during the colonial period, it was the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and renamed Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan, City of Ferdinand of Vigan.
Structures
The downtown area has changed little since the Spanish colonial era. Is outstanding, especially the three-nave cathedral of 1574, which was built in squat design because of the many earthquakes. During Semana Santa colorful annual Carozas accompany the Catholic procession. Only a few influential families Vigans be able to present the six-foot statues of saints bless in the Cathedral and lead the train of the 5000 believers. The Archbishop's Palace was built in 1793 and represents the religious and administrative center of the province
The former port of the city is swamped over the centuries to a lily pond. Around 130 of the stately Spanish colonial houses have been preserved here and show typical Asian and Spanish features. They have large windows and sliding shutters that protect from the sun. Massive stone walls to protect them from the numerous earthquakes. The front doors were wide enough to enter down by horse directly into the house. The practical conch shell discs dominate the world Vigans window and recall the charm of medieval Luzon. They dampen the light of the tropical sun and well air-conditioned comfortable up to 100 m² large living room. Since the declaration as a World Heritage Site, the villas are being renovated and prepared.
Statistics
In 2010, the city had an area of 25.11 km ² 49 747 inhabitants. The population is very young. In Baranggay Mindoro is a small airport.
Sons of the city
- Jose Burgos, a Philippine national hero
- Elpidio Quirino, the sixth Philippine President
Barangays (districts )
Vigan is divided into the following 39 barangays:
- Ayusan Norte
- Ayusan Sur
- Barangay I
- Barangay II
- Barangay III
- Barangay IV
- Barangay V
- Barangay VI
- Barangay VII
- Barangay VIII
- Barangay IX
- Barraca
- Beddeng Laud
- Beddeng Daya
- Bongtolan
- Bulala
- Cabalangegan
- Cabaroan Daya
- Cabaroan Laud
- Camangaan
- Capangpangan
- Mindoro
- Nagsangalan
- Pantay Daya
- Pantay Fatima
- Pantay Laud
- Paoa
- Paratong
- Pongol
- Purok -a- Bassit
- Purok -a- wiener
- Raois
- Rugsuanan
- Salindeg
- San Jose
- San Julian Norte
- San Julian Sur
- San Pedro
- Tamag