St Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

St Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

St Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles144 reviews
Excellent
53
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66
Average
24
Poor
1
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jblaza
Marikina, Philippines714 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2014 • Couples
At the end of Calle Crisologo, you will find Plaza Burgos and across the Plaza, the Vigan Cathedral. Built in 1641, the cathedral has been the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia since 1758 and is dedicated to the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle.

The church is in Earthquake Baroque style. Its bell tower is separated from the main church by a road. We visited the Church on Christmas day and church interior was lit up the whole day. In the evening, Christmas lights lit up the interior.

One of the side altars is dedicated to Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces and underneath it, you will find the tomb of the Servant of God Alfredo Obviar. He is the first Ilocano Bishop and is one of the Filipino candidates for Sainthood. His cause
or beatification is currently underway; he was declared Servant of God in 2013. Born in Vigan, he eventually became the Bishop of the Diocese of Lipa until his retirement in Vigan. The faithful can pray on the prie-dieu in front of his tomb. Prayer cards and materials about Bishop Obviar are available for free; some are displayed on a table beside his tomb.

The cathedral is within the vicinity of the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol, Vigan City Hall, and Vigan Dancing Fountain. Be careful when crossing the streets around the cathedral as traffic can get tangled and confusing.
Written 30 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SurreyGirl27
Addlestone, UK1,152 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Friends
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.
Written 22 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore9,283 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2017 • Couples
It was an easy journey from Pasay (Manila) to Vigan. I took a shuttle bus from the Manila airport that terminated at Pasay near Hotel Sogo near the crowded Macdonald outlet. I then walked a short distance to Partas Bus Terminal and purchased the bus ticket for Vigan. I was told Partas Bus is the only bus service to Vigan. It is a 8 hr journey. I took the express night bus at 9.30 pm and it reached Vigan at 3.30 am ahead of time. The night bus is faster as it avoided the heavy terrible traffic jam in Manila. I probably could have taken the midnight bus so that I reached at 6 or 7 am.

I saw the Cathedral as my bus was driving into the city. It was beautifully lighted up at that wee hours. The first thing I do when I arrived at Vigan was to visit this Cathedral. I just do not know why but at 4 am in the wee hours of the morning, I roamed my way to this church and stood outside the door admiring the architecture of this structure. I am not a Roman Catholic but I seem to have this affinity with this historic city and this Cathedral of grandeur. By 6 am, there was already a mass gathering and I went into the prayer hall to have a glimpse of the interior.

The Cathedral occupies a central focal point in this historic city of Vigan. The Dancing Fountain spreads like a green carpet in front of this cathedral celebrating her grandeur with the beautiful music and songs. The Plaza Salcedo and Plaza Burgos stand guard at the near vicinity. Within walking distance are the renowned cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo and the VIgan Heritage Village that glitter throughout the night with their beautiful neon lighting.

The Cathedral has the Baroque architectural design with neo Gothic and pseudo Romanesque features. The original chapel built in 1574 was made of wood and thatch but in1641, it was replaced with a church. It was constructed with the use of skilled Chinese craftsmanship. In1800, the Church was raised to the current Cathedral status. I am fascinated by the sculptures of the 12 apostles erected on the perimeter of the church wall. At night, the Cathedral is beautifully lighted up and the structure stands prominently and glaringly bright in the center of this heritage city.

I visited this Cathedral at 4 am on my first day but I loitered my way to this Cathedral again the next day in the afternoon, in the evening and at night and I witnessed the different settings and views at the different times.

You would not miss this Cathedral when you are in Vigan. She is the symbol of the Roman Catholic faith in Luzon and the icon of this historic UNESCO heritage town.
Written 9 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lakwatserangoinky
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Couples
Magkakalapit lang po yong lugar so lakarin nyo lang po .

First visit calle crisologo . (Lakad lang kayo hanggang sa may Max's)
Then makikita nyo ung kumpulan ng tindahan don pasok lang kayo don .
2nd Plaza burgos .
(Pag nakita nyo ung mcdonalds un na)
3rd empanadahan (empanada P30 only sinanglaw P60)
4th St. Pauls cathedral
5th Plaza Salcedo (dancing fountain)

No entrance Fee .
Written 11 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PFSHero
162 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Friends
Opposite the Plaza Salcedo you could already have a visit in the historic St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. This is as enthralling as other churches in Ilocos. There's a rich history behind the structure of the church. Upon entering you could already feel the vibe of the Spanish era. The interiors were renovated by appearance but the beauty of the church remains. We haven't got the chance to attend a mass.

Overall, the church is a beautiful, well-maintained, must-visit church in Vigan. This is another church for religious people. There are also picturesque areas inside. I suggest bringing candles that can be lit inside. Cameras are okay but make sure it does not disturb other people inside.

Do message me if you have any more questions or need recommendations on how to get good prices on the rooms and other tips on restaurant/attraction/activity recommendations around the area.
Written 22 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mimabama
Taguig City, Philippines997 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Friends
The cathedral is magnificent. The interiors were renovated. Sound system is good.

Choir during the 5:15 pm mass was good.

If you want to light a candle, go out on the left side. You can buy candles for 5 peso each. Make a wish if it's your first visit!

It also has a Jubilee Door (left side).
Written 29 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aldensky
88 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2016 • Family
Located at the heart of Vigan, the Cathedral is centuries old would show you a glimpse of the past. Architecture was nice, its like a museum in itself. Drop by and say a prayer.
Written 30 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jasmine A
Quezon City, Philippines72 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2015 • Friends
Upon entering the church, we were revered by its stunning interior and its vast incurvated ceiling beautifully crafted with intertwined gold pattern creating a unique zooming effect to the altar. It made me wonder how demanding and painstaking it was to have those designs painted. Man's ingenuity is truly remarkable.
Written 24 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Noel S
Blackburn, Australia91 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2014 • Family
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.
Written 22 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eugene R
San Francisco, California187 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Solo
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.
Written 19 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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St Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Vigan

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