The historic small town of Taal prides itself with the massive century-old Basilica of St. Martin de Tours that dominates the lawned Taal Park. Built in 1840s to 1860s, this well preserved church has one of the best facades of all the churches I have seen. And not to be outdone is the church's interiors showcasing intricately designed ceiling and a well-crafted altar.The Church was said to be named after Martin de Goiti, a Spanish explorer and a patron saint to those who have lost their way. Travelers from nearby places also frequent this church to seek guidance and ask for safety in their journeys. This Church is also reputed to be the largest Catholic church in Asia. Its facade resembles that of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and its tabernacle is made of silver, the only one of its kind in the Philippines.
Getting there is easy because most Batangas-bound buses from Manila depart every hour. Take a bus (JAM, Alps, RRCG) bound for Lemery as it pass right through Taal Park. Once in Taal, the best thing to do is wander by foot and explore this historic town. More of Taal in my next posts.
i like the first shot! it really captures this unexplainable beauty of it..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful church alter indeed!
ReplyDeleteTapos na pala yung Bantayan series..
the largest? wow, that interiors are outstanding. sana makita ko din yan.
ReplyDeletelove our old churches. they're really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow this church is so beautifully built. I love the first photo with the little flowers at the corner. It looked so majestic. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeletethe first photo reminds me of the facade of Petra...i guess it's the pillars.:p
ReplyDeletethese are marvelous perspectives. the interiors are grand!
Ang ganda ng effect nung yellow flowers sa first photo. =)
ReplyDeletei am pure batangueno, from lemery, i visited this beautiful church only twice...thanks to your pics especially the belfry, i didnt know that taal has it, really.
ReplyDeleteNice church! Thanks for adding a footnote on how to get there. This will be a big help for people who want to visit the place.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays Lawstude!
whoa! gamit na gamit na ang wide angle lens! kainggit. hehehe... master na rin ba?
ReplyDeleteYour perspective even makes a massive church more massive. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteganda ng church tapos ang ganda pa ng pangalan...it all adds up. hope makapunta din ako dyan......
ReplyDeletemagnificent church, wonderful captures! i wish to be here too one day.
ReplyDeleteAng ganda ng first photo with the foreground. The church looks amazing too.
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteFeliz Natal!!
ReplyDeleteEspero que o Ano 2010 te traga muita inspiração para nos proporcionares excelentes fotos como até aqui!
Beijinhos
Hi Norman! The pictures are awesome!! Hope you don't have any trouble with the vulcano...
ReplyDeleteTime to relax with a visit to a museum? Blogtrotter is at the British! Enjoy and have a great holiday season!
Finally, a place I have been to. I love that church inside and out.
ReplyDeleteDumadaan lang po para bumati ng maligayang pasko :D
ReplyDeletenatesting din ang UWA.
ReplyDeleteganda ng mga shots mo bro.
i like the angle of the 1st picture.
Great shots. The first one is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to make this a day trip from Manila traveling by bus (back before 5PM)? Will the bus drop me off by the church and old houses?
ReplyDeleteImposing multiple tours back then would have been considered sheer madness. That was before anyone knew about PTSD.uber black wailea alternative
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ReplyDelete