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
  3. AnonymousMay 2, 2023 at 8:13 AM

    Ang ganda ng mga shots mo ng Taal Basilica sir.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JerhanneMay 13, 2023 at 7:25 AM

    I wondered why my girlfriend was enthusiastic about going here in the Taal Church/Taal Basilica so I looked up some blogs here in the web and I bumped here. The church is indeed an art! Going here while you know it's backstory could be an enchanting feeling. I was beguiled by the aesthetics of the church in all but what made me fall for it even more was the stories it tell us. I look forward to attend a mass and pray there with my love. Added to the bucket list! Wonderful blog!

    *I know it might sound cheesy to some but she wants us to tie the knot there in Taal Basilica. That is why she is really excited about this trip! Bless us!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JerhanneMay 13, 2023 at 7:46 AM

    I was wondering why my girlfriend was enthusiastic to go there in Taal Church/Taal Basilica but after reading this blog, I knew it right away. Knowing its history of renovations and its recent facelift, the church has been very beautiful regardless. Its aesthetics is such a treat to the eyes that it is worthy of hundreds of snaps. The photos will surely become even more precious if it was taken with your loved ones. But what made this church a top spectacle is its rich backstory nourished by the centuries since this structure's inception. Knowing what this church had gone through over the years could give us enchantment while kneeling there to pray or singing the songs of praises. Taal Basilica is a huge beguilement! Added to the bucket list! We'll surely enjoy being there anytime soon!

    Now I know why she wants us to tie the knot there. Bless us! And bless you the same way, kind author of this blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMay 15, 2023 at 9:29 PM

      Congratulations to you and your GF. May you two have an amazing married life and happy family in the future. Thank you for the kind words. =)

      Delete

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