photo credit to: http://www.launion.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=568&Itemid=629


   
     Pindangan,as it was then called became San Fernando in 1850 and was made provincial capital of the new province of La Union. Built with corals and stone hatch in the late 1700's,the Pindangan Ruins are remnants of the first church of San Fernando. "Pindangan" as the Ilocanos call it,a traditional process of fish drying,is located in Brgy. San Vicente,San Fernando City,La Union,about 500 meters from the national highway,near Camp Oscar Florendo,the Regional Headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP). 
    Over the years,the church withstood raids by Japanese,Chinese and Moro pirates that ransacked the coastal areas of La Union. Because of its extensive damage,the Spanish clergy decided to relocate the church to Brgy. Tanqui,but was moved once more to Brgy. Cabaroan,and finally to its present site,facing the City Auditorium. It is now called Cathedral of St. William the Hermit,of the Diocese of San Fernando,La Union.
    The ruins' buttresses and walls are still standing and is now cared for by the Carmelite Sisters,whose Monastery stands behind the ruins.  An old well made of corals and bricks,once supplied centuries of cool water to the area. It can still be found alongside the church and is said to be in good condition.

Getting there…

By air:
    One may opt to take a plane from lands which lands directly in San Fernando City.

By land:
    There are several buses that pass through la union. Although the ride may be quite long,because of all the stopovers,sometimes it is simpler to hire a private vehicle or take ones own. Travel time by bus is 6-8 hours by car,4-5.