Vigan

A street lighted by small lanterns (parol), a few minutes before daybreak

Vigan, according to the UNESCO, is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Established in the early 16th century, it is also among the most preserved vestiges of early European city planning. The structures--scenic and well-preserved--reflect an architecture that fuses cultural elements from indigenous Philippines, China and Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that, according to UNESCO, have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

Postcard pretty, black and white rendition of a street corner

In black and white, fountain fronting the municipal hall

The buildings are not only well-preserved, they are habitable. In fact, some residents actually live and do business in these very houses.