Augustinian missionaries established the original town of Taal back in the 1570s. They also then had the town’s very first church built. Fast forward to two centuries later, Taal Volcano erupted and practically destroyed the entire town including the church. Fearing another explosion, the locals moved to their current place. A new church was later built in 1755 led by Fr. Martin Aguirre. Subsequent disasters leveled the church, but it has been renovated and reconstructed every time.

The Taal Basilica or also known as Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours is the biggest church in the Philippines. It follows the Baroque style and has beautiful columns on its façade. It is made of adobe and coral stones that give it a distinct appearance.

As you walk inside you’ll immediately feel the spaciousness of the church. The high ceiling and colors used create a roomy ambiance. The main altar is eye-catching, measuring 10m wide and 24m tall with a crucified Jesus as its centerpiece.

Mass Schedule and Other Info

For those who want to attend mass here, the schedules are as follows:

Thursday – 5:00 AM

Friday – 5:00 AM / 5:00 PM

Saturday – 5:00 AM / 6:00 AM

Sunday – 5:00 AM / 7:30 AM / 9:30 AM / 5:00 PM

FIESTA: The church celebrates its feast day on November 11. During this time you’ll see a procession of Our Lady of Caysasay and the patron saint followed by a mass.

CHURCH WEDDING RATE: If you want to get married in Taal Basilica, the going rate is P22,000.

How to Get There

From Metro Manila, board a bus traveling to Lemery and tell the conductor or driver you will alight at Taal Basilica. Some buses don’t pass by the church. If that is the case, you’ll have to get down at the Taal Lemery Bypass Junction and get on a jeep going to the Basilica. Alternatively, you can alight at the Lemery Terminal and hire a tricycle to take you.

Attractions Near the Church

Other than the Taal Basilica, you can include these other places to your itinerary:

Taal Heritage Town. This quaint part of town has beautiful traditional and ancestral homes. You can explore the area on foot.
Taal Volcano. If hiking is your thing, then head on over to Taal Volcano. The trail is easy for fit and experienced hikers. Plus, the views are stunning.
Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine. The shrine is home to the 17th-century image of Virgin Mary. Many locals and devout Catholics visit the church to pray.

Top Taal Hotels

Paradores Del Castillo ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Taal Imperial Hotel and Resort ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Casa Cecilia Heritage Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Plantacion Isabelle ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY