Taal Basilica Revisited 2021

It was a decade ago when I first visited Taal Basilica. Since then, I have revisited it several times during pilgrimages and school field trips. I got to recently revisit Taal Basilica during my Cuenca - Taal Road Trip 2021 with my wife and daughter. 

Taal Basilica Revisited 2021

Taal Basilica History

For those who are unfamiliar with Taal Basilica, here's a brief history of the basilica for you guys. Also known as the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, Taal Basilica was built in 1575. It was named after the town's patron saint - St. Martin of Tours. Taal Basilica stands around 148 feet high and 315 feet wide making it the biggest Catholic Church in Asia.

Taal Basilica - Taal, Batangas

It witnessed numerous eruptions of Taal Volcano and was also damaged several times by the earthquakes that caused these eruptions. It also stood as a silent witness to the town's historical events like the end of Spanish Colonization, the Philippine Revolution, the American occupation, the Japanese occupation, and the eventual Philippine Republic.

Taal Basilica - Taal, Batangas

Taal Basilica facade

Taal Basilica NHI Marker

Taal Basilica historic bell

An artistic statue of St. Martin de Tours

Taal Basilica also underwent numerous repairs, renovations, and restorations since it was built centuries ago. Speaking of restorations, the basilica underwent a major facelift last 2020. The facade now looks completely different compared to its facade during our last visit. You can see the difference in the picture below. 

Taal Basilica Interior

Taal Basilica altar

Taal Basilica right retablo

Taal Basilica left retablo

Marian and Sto Nino altar

Taal Basilica pulpit

Taal Basilica dome paintings

During our Cuenca - Taal Road Trip 2021, Taal Basilica was our last destination for the 2nd day of the trip. Aside from the restoration, there were obviously fewer visitors during our mini-pilgrimage which was quite uncommon especially during long weekends like this visit. Well, that's all because of the COVID 19 pandemic that's still terrorizing the world.

Team Nicerio visits Taal Basilica




Team Nicerio revisits Taal Basilica 2021

Overall, it's really nice to revisit Taal Basilica again and see its improvements. I'm also looking forward to revisiting the heritage houses in the town again which were all closed during our road trip.

Taal Basilica entrance fee

It's FREE to enter Taal Basilica and explore the church and its grounds.

Taal Basilica Mass Schedule

Monday - Friday: 7AM - 8AM
Saturday: 7AM- 8AM / 5PM - 6PM
Sunday: 7:30AM - 8:30AM / 9:30AM - 10:30 AM / 5PM - 6PM

Why visit Taal Basilica?

Taal Basilica remains to be one of my favorite Spanish Colonial Era churches in the Philippines. It's a must-visit if you are on a pilgrimage or Visita Iglesia in the province of Batangas. You will surely fall in love with it too when you see it with your own eyes. 

Getting to Taal Basilica

 

From Buendia in Pasay City, ride a bus going to Lemery, Batangas. Inform the conductor to drop you off at Taal town.
Bus Fare: 180 -190 pesos

Once there, you can ride a tricycle to Taal Basilica.
Tricycle fare: 15-20 pesos

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating

Location: Calle San Martin, Taal, 4208 Batangas, Philippines

Comments

  1. Gracia’s KusinaJuly 30, 2021 at 2:57 AM

    Great pictures with your family. I hope someday I can visit it personally.
    & attend the mass with my family.

    Very informative ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 30, 2021 at 1:48 PM

      Thank you so much po. =) Please do visit and attend mass in this historic church. Super ganda po.

      Delete
  2. CebuanaJanuary 8, 2023 at 12:47 AM

    Hello Team Nicerio from Cebu. Beautifully-angled shots! I'm currently writing a travel article on the Basilica of Saint Martin De Tours and Heritage Town of Taal which I visited in 2017. May I ask permission to borrow some of your new photos of the Taal Basilica, if it's okay? Photo credit will be in your name, of course.

    ReplyDelete

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