Cultural
Ville historique de Vigan
Philippines
Photo : gyunyu3 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Situated in the Philippines, this historic town exemplifies Spanish colonial urban planning and architecture from the 16th century onwards. The settlement retains a well-preserved grid layout characteristic of Spanish colonial towns, with structures that reflect centuries of cultural interchange between Spanish, indigenous, and Asian influences. The town's architectural heritage includes religious buildings, civil structures, and residential dwellings that document the evolution of colonial society in the Philippine islands. The historic core demonstrates continuity in urban organization and building traditions despite periods of transformation and development. The site represents an important example of Spanish colonial heritage in Southeast Asia, illustrating the spatial and architectural patterns that shaped numerous settlements across the region during the colonial period.
