Brief synthesisVigan is the most intact example in Asia of a planned Spanish colonial town, established in the 16th century. Due to the economic decline of Vigan as an economic center after the World War II, only a few of the historic buildings had internal reorganization for alternative use. Vigan is unique for having preserved much of its Hispanic colonial character, particularly its grid street pattern and historic urban lay out. At present, the salient features of most of the ancestral Vigan houses are conserved, although a few houses remain in deteriorating condition due to neglect of their absentee owners. The historic buildings have maintained their traditional uses for commerce at the lower floors and as residence for the owners on the upper floors.