A Walk Back in Time at Calle Crisologo

An early morning stroll along the famed cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo takes you back in time, and the sound of horse-drawn calesas complete the experience. 

Home to the rich meztizo traders who prospered with the bustling Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade during Spanish colonial times, Calle Crisologo's cobblestone streets are lined with ancestral Spanish colonial style mansions lovingly preserved by the families and the local community. Calle Crisologo, as well as the town of Vigan, is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, definitely one of the must-see sights up north. For more on Calle Crisologo, check out my post on my other blog and view more photos, in full color, here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/an-early-morning-stroll-at-historic.html.

The best place to stay while in Vigan is the elegant Hotel Luna, located right in the heart of the historic heritage district of Vigan (for more on Hotel Luna, check out my previous post on the hotel's elegant accommodations here at http://soloexpeditions.blogspot.com/2014/08/history-and-art-vigans-elegant-hotel.html, and more photos on the Hotel Luna experience here on my post in my other blog here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/side-views-elegant-fusion-of-history.html). After a filling and leisurely buffet breakfast, simply walk around the corner and you're right in the middle of Calle Crisologo. It's best to walk the historic district early in the morning, without the crowds, as you have the street pretty much all to yourself. Or late afternoon or early evening to catch the shifting light play on the cobblestone streets. 

Rows of Spanish-era ancestral homes in the traditional stone and brick facade design with large arched heavy wood doorways, intricate wooden windows with native capiz shells, and the familiar red-tiled roofs, each elegantly preserved, makes this street special. Many have been converted to shops and inns, some run by the same families. The historic street is permanently closed to vehicular traffic, allowing a leisurely walk as you soak up the 18th century vibe.

The early Sunday morning is greeted by church bells, as the different antique stores and souvenir shops slowly open up for the day's business. The different shops feature some of Vigan's best, including an assortment of native handicraft and antiques, chicharon, basi wine, Iloco empanandas and vinegar.

After a quick bite, continue your stroll further down the road, and discover some of the antiques displayed on the sides of the countless stores along Calle Crisologo.

The calesas,or horse-drawn buggies, make their way to their designated spots, waiting for passengers. For only P 150 per hour, you can enjoy a calesa ride around the historical district and view even more ancestral homes nearby.

Dusk drapes the historic district in a warm glow, as the activity on the street rises in tempo with the influx of more visitors and tourists. You'll need at least a day or two to fully appreciate and soak up the vibe at Vigan's Calle Crisologo. And bring comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Like a portal back in time, Vigan's historic district, and Calle Crisologo, is definitely an experience. And one more check off my bucket list...

For more photos on historic Calle Crisologo (this time in full color), check out my post in my other blog here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/an-early-morning-stroll-at-historic.html.

Hotel Luna is located at V. De los reyes corner General Luna Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, or call +632-584-4945 for inquiries and reservations. You may also contact the Manila Sales Office located at 26 Tomas Morato Extension, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City or call +632-373-3333 local 201-204 or email sales.hotelluna@ahmgi.com/rsvn.hotelluna@ahmgi.com.

Solo Expeditions is now on Facebook, check out the FB Page for regular updates on cool destinations. Better yet, click "Like" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB "Like" widget on the right sidebar.