Region 1 is comprised of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. This region is characterized by Spanish architecture and popular beaches.
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte has many old churches like the St. William's Cathedral in Laoag. Popular beaches include Pagudpud, Currimao, La Paz, Seksi and Saud. Landmarks include the Tabaco Monopoly Monument, built in 1881, the Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag, the Acrobatic Belltower of Bacarra, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos, and the Church of Paoay - a church considered to be a national treasure by UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Ilocos Sur
Popular landmarks in Ilocos Sur include Tirad Pass, Bessang Pass, Pinsai Falls, Santiago Cove and the National Museum. Vigan is the most famous city, with its finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the Philippines. Famous churches include the Cathedral of St. Paul, built in 1641, Santa Maria Church, which is also included in UNESCO's World Heritage list, Santa Lucia Church, home of the tiny image of the dark Virgin, and the Sinait Church, home of the 17th century image of the Black Nazarene that was found floating in a sealed casket off the coast of Sinait.
La Union
San Fernando City is the most famous city, characterized by landmarks of strong Chinese influence like the large Macho Temple and the Fil-Chinese Pagoda. Other landmarks in La Union include Freedom Park, the Museo de La Union and La Union Botanical Garden. San Juan is a popular beach for surfers, while Fagg and Research Reefs are popular for divers. Agoo is home to the Agoo Basilica, regarded as the most beautiful church in the region. World War 2 monuments include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Battle of San Fernando Marker, Baroro Bridge Marker, Luna Military Shrine and Park, and Bacsil Ridge. Bauang is the most popular beach resort in Northwest Luzon.
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is home to 100 Islands National Park. It is also known to have the best bangus (milk fish) in the country. World War 2 memorials are also present in the province, including the Lingayen Gulf War Memorial. The best known churches include the Church of Manaoag, with the miraculous Virgin Mary, Church of St. James Fortress, Bolinao and Old St. John's Cathedral in Dagupan. Recreation sites include dive sites at the Fourteen-Mile Reef and Devil's Island, Cape Bolinao Beach and Nalsoc Cave with its subterranean river.
