La Union Province, which was created in 1854 out of the southern part of Ilocos Sur and the north of Pangasinan province , is renowed for its beaches. Along the coast are a string of impressive reminders of the Spanish colonial period. There are massive churches and watch-towers, built like fortresses to withstand earthquakes and pirate attacks. La Union has a long tradition of craftsmanship, which can be seen in the decorative earthernware made in San Juan and the handwoven blankets from Bangar, a town on the border with Ilocos Sur province.