For some of you who may not know, the Philippines was colonized by the Spanish/Spaniards for over 300 years from 1521 to 1898. Don’t be surprised if you visit the Philippines and you see Spanish-looking houses, churches, or buildings especially up in Northern Philippines or you find that some of the Filipino food have some Spanish influences or that the Filipino language has some similarities with the Spanish language.
With that being said, this post is about Cape Bojeador Lighthouse or Burgos Lighthouse which was built during the Spanish-era and is one of the many things Spain left behind for the Filipinos.
On December 24, 2013, my family went on an Ilocos roadtrip and one of our stops is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse located on top of Vigia de Nagpartian hill in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
Magin Pers and Pers designed the lighthouse in 1887 and was finished by Guillermo Brockman. The lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1892.
“The Cape Bojeador lighthouse was part of the Spanish government’s master plan of illuminating the Philippine Archipelago.”
This 65-foot-tall lighthouse is made with bricks and was mainly used to serve as a guide for the galleons that sail by Cape Bojeador during the Spanish Colonial period.
The lighthouse is now considered by the Philippine Government as a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure since August 13, 2004 and June 20, 2005, respectively.
“After over 100 years, it still functions as a welcoming beacon to the international ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.”
It is now believed that Cape Bojeador lighthouse is haunted. I am too scared to google about the ghost that resides in the lighthouse so I could not tell you any more about it.
Information about the Cape Bojeador lighthouse were taken from a sign posted in the premises.
Want to know more about Spanish colonization in the Philippines? Click this.
Want to know more about the town of Burgos in Ilocos Norte, Philippines where the Cape Bojeador lighthouse is located? Click this.
I actually didn’t know that about Spain colonising the Philippines! Interesting story
I’ve been to Ilocos but never had the chance to visit this area. I hope that they lift the image of the cape. It looks classy but I think it needs more improvements.
Cai Dominguez recently posted…Not Your Ordinary Travel Guide to Pinto Art Museum
Cool looking place and looks deserted…
It could be somewhere out of a movie too. Interesting post 🙂
James | The Globe Wanderers recently posted…Keep Calm and Travel On
WOuld love to explore this place when in that part of the world. Thanks for sharing!
Himanshu recently posted…My Tryst With Kunzum Pass: Road trip From Kaza To Kunzum Top
I did not know that the Spanish colonised the Philippines, every day is a school day! Thanks for teaching me something new!
Gemma recently posted…Raincouver – POTF ’16
What a neat part of the country’s history! We didn’t get a chance to visit when we were there but those photos are a great tour through the lighthouse. And yes, it does look a bit creepy! May have to Google the ghost just out of curiousity!
Carolann – One Modern Couple recently posted…Nobu Manila: A View From Inside The Golden Towers
Beautiful place! Sucks I’ve never gotten the chance to visit other places in Philippines everytime I’m there.
So my ancestors built this, interesting 🙂 I find these places that are so old and played an important role long ago quite fascinating, as if the walls could speak. Thanks for the photo tour
mar recently posted…3 African luxury resorts not accessible by road
you are from Spain? 🙂 There are a lot of century-old Spanish churches and buildings in the Philippines! you are very welcome!
Never been to Phillipines so definitely got to learn something new 😀
Vedante | The Lavish Nomad recently posted…9 Reasons to travel solo in your 20ꜱ
I never knew that the Philippines was colonized by the Spanish! I love Spanish food and culture so it makes a trip to the Philippines sound even more interesting! The Cape Bojeador lighthouse does have a bit of haunted look.
Philippines is there in my list since forever and I can’t wait for I see so many blogs on this beautiful place. Cape Bojeador lighthouse would be a great getaway for a day and I would love to lose myself in the Spanish touch of the town. I love historical places, and this seems to interest me much.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse looks interesting but a bit spooky, I think I will google it to learn more about the ghost. It don’t see other people in your photos, were you and your family the only people there?
The Philippines has long been on my list but I had no idea it had once been invaded by the Spaniards as well. Thank you for the peek into history of this beautiful country!
I haven’t been to the Philippines yet but I’m sooo keen to go. I see countless pictures of amazing beaches in Coron etc but this is the kind of thing I was to see – history! Thank you for sharing, it’s fascinating