Pagburnayan Jar Factory | Vigan

Pagburnayan Jar Factory is a traditional pottery center in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, specializing in the production of burnay-hand-crafted stoneware jars made from heavy clay and fired at high temperatures in massive underground kilns.

Visual Characteristics

The site is characterized by open-air work sheds filled with thousands of jars in various stages of completion. The ground is typically covered in fine clay dust. The centerpiece is the "dragon kiln," a long, sloping brick structure used for firing the jars. Skilled potters are visible working on manual kick-wheels, molding wet clay into traditional shapes.

Location & Access Logistics

The main Pagburnayan area, including well-known sites like RG Jar Factory, is located along Gomez Street in Barangay Pagburnayan.

Access: It is situated approximately 800 meters west of Calle Crisologo.

Transport: Easily accessible via a 5-minute tricycle or calesa ride from the Vigan city center.

Operating Hours: Generally open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Fees: Entry is usually free, though visitors often leave small tips for potters who provide demonstrations.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The art of burnay making was introduced to Vigan by Chinese immigrants in the late 16th century. The word "burnay" refers to the heavy, unglazed earthenware used for fermenting fish sauce (bagoong), vinegar (sukang Iloko), and storing wine (basi). The clay used is sourced from the local soil of Vigan and is known for its durability and porous nature, which aids the fermentation process.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pottery Demonstrations: Watching master potters manipulate the clay using traditional kick-wheels and wooden paddles.

Hands-on Experience: Visitors are often allowed to try molding their own small pots under the guidance of a potter.

Kiln Viewing: Seeing the massive brick kilns that can fire hundreds of jars simultaneously for several days.

Retail Gallery: A shop on-site sells various pottery products, from traditional large jars to miniature souvenir pots, ashtrays, and garden ornaments.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: The factory consists of rustic, high-ceilinged sheds for production and shaded areas for visitors.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are stable.

Parking: Limited roadside parking is available for private vehicles.

Surrounding Area: Small stalls selling snacks and local beverages are located near the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

Morning (08:00–10:00) is the best time to visit to see the potters actively working before the midday heat. The dry season (November to April) is optimal for seeing jars drying in the open air, as production often slows down or moves entirely indoors during the heavy monsoon rains.

Facts & Legends

A verified fact is that traditional burnay jars are considered much stronger than ordinary terracotta pots because of the specific local clay and the high temperature of the kiln. Legend says that the quality of Vigan vinegar is directly tied to the specific minerals in the burnay jars used for fermentation.

Nearby Landmarks

Calle Crisologo – 0.8km East

Vigan Cathedral – 1.0km Northeast

Quirino Boulevard – 0.7km East

Hidden Garden – 2.5km West