4 Philippine Heritage Towns and Cities to Explore Next Summer

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The Philippines is renowned for its stunning natural attractions, such as pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant coral reefs. In addition to its breathtaking landscapes, the country is also gaining international recognition for its rich heritage landmarks that reflect its colonial history. The capital city, Manila, boasts numerous historic buildings and sites dating back to the Spanish and American colonial periods, including ornate churches, historic forts, and grand government structures that tell the story of its complex past.

Here are four other cities outside the capital you should consider visiting next summer for their heritage landmarks:

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

No list of Philippine heritage towns is ever complete without Vigan. This UNESCO World Heritage Center was a major economic center in northern Luzon during the Spanish era, as evidenced by the gorgeous old houses on Mena Crisologo, which once housed Filipino-Chinese traders during the peak of trade with China.

Heritage lovers would also be delighted by the Archbishop’s Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the City Hall, and the Provincial Capitol in Plaza Salcedo.

Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Carcar by Ninia Mantos via Unsplash

Carcar, Cebu

Cebu is one big heritage island, but Carcar is one special city for heritage enthusiasts as it is full of houses preserved from the Spanish and American eras.

While more famous for its shoes, lechon, ampao (rice sweets), and chicharon, it is also known for the Carcar Rotunda and the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church. The Rizal Monument and Carcar dispensary are also must-gos.

Taal, Batangas

Named for its proximity to Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, the town is considered a heritage landmark by the National Historical Institute for its rows of centuries-old bahay na bato ancestral stone houses, which recall Castilian architecture.

One of the town’s main attractions is the Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, considered the biggest Catholic church in Asia. It is also the church with the only silver-plated tabernacles in the country. There is also the Escuela Pía, which once served as the town’s primary education center. You can also visit the Marcela Agoncillo Museum, famous for being the house where the first Philippine flag was sewn.

Jimenez, Misamis Occidental

Just a few hours of travel from Iligan, Jimenez is noted not only for its balikbayan culture. It is also becoming increasingly prominent as a heritage town on the southern side of the archipelago. There are at least 70 heritage structures within its borders, 30 of which are identified as such by the municipal government, while the others are listed only as heritage structures under the National Heritage Law of 2009.

Visit the Old Bacarro Printing Press for a peek at some Japanese-era bills. This structure served as the home of the Aldrec Tac-An Nacion family before it was used as a printing press for emergency money during the occupation. The San Juan Bautista Church is also a good site, as it is one of the country’s oldest churches.

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