Ilocos Series: Crisologo Museum
8:25 AM
After exploring the Bantay Church and Bell Tower, our family headed next to one of the most visited museums in Vigan -- The Crisologo Museum. Frankly speaking, I don't even know who the Crisologos were, but I can sense that the people of this town have high regard for this family -- they even named their famous cobblestone street "Calle Crisologo." So in order to end my cluelessness, I thought it would be a good idea to spend a few minutes in their museum and discover the history behind such renowned family name.
Upon getting into the place, we were warmly welcomed by an old woman wearing a lapel microphone, who I suppose was also the caretaker of the museum. She provided a brief introduction of the Crisologo clan as one of the most prominent families in Vigan and gave us a quick tour of the museum's ground level. After which, we were already allowed to explore the second floor on our own. By the way, admission is free, but you will be encouraged to give a donation for the maintenance of the attraction.
According to the caretaker, this two-storey mansion used to be the ancestral house of former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo and his family. However, after his assassination in 1970, the family decided to convert it into a museum, which would display the statesman's memorabilia, including an exhibit of several items relating to his murder.
The mansion's ground level is made of bricks and the windows are of iron and steel grills. This is where you'll find the family's library, antique horse-drawn carriage (calesa, caritela, carruaje) and an old Chevy used by the congressman's wife when she survived an ambush in 1961. In addition, they also have a kiosk for visitors who want to buy some souvenir items.
The second level of the ancestral house is made of concrete and hardwood and has colintipay windows. This floor houses the family's heirloom furnishings and religious artifacts.
The entire house was really spacious and it's pretty obvious with their collections and set of furniture that the Crisologos is indeed a wealthy family. I was likewise impressed with the museum's management since they have done a great job in preserving this family shrine (considering the fact that there's actually no entrance fee to view this place).
Overall, I would say that this part of our Vigan tour, although quite boring, was indeed an educational one! If you are the type of person who hates reading history books, then I would suggest for you to just skip this attraction. Nevertheless, if you wish to see and experience a century-old ancestral house in Vigan, like we do, then I guess, the Crisologo museum is the perfect place to be!
***The Crisologo Museum or Vigan House National Historical Institute Branch is open Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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You have read Part 10 of 16 of my travel blog posts about our family's trip to Ilocandia. Should you wish to view the rest of the blog posts under this series, feel free to click any of the links below:
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