TAAL BASILICA

Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours

Certainly the biggest church in Asia,
Taal Basilica is 96 meters long, 45 meters
wide, and 96 meters tall. This colossal
Baroque structure was made of coral stones
and adobe. The most noticeable features of
its facade were the 24 classical columns in
pairs and lined up two rows of six on top of
the other. It has 10 windows and 5 doors.
The edifice is topped with a triangular roof
and gable on each side and one in the center.
On the left side rises the bell tower.
 In 1575, 3 years after the founding
of Taal town in its old site near the
shores of Taal Lake, work began on the
construction of its first church by
Father Diego Espinar (O.S.A.) with
Martin of Tours as patron saint.
The church was rebuilt in 1642 using stronger materials,
but it was destroyed in 1754 along with the town of Taal in the
largest recorded eruption of the Taal volcano. This event led to
transfer of the town and the church farther away from the
volcano to its present site atop an elevated hill facing Balayan
Bay. The ruins of the previous church can still be seen in San
Nicolas.
The huge church was completed by Father Agapito
Aparicio in 1878, adding the main altar of Doric style
measuring 24 metres (79 ft) high and 10 metres (33 ft)
wide.He was also responsible for the baptistery made with
tiles imported from Europe. The stone church had three
naves with a grand transept and an elegant facade with
Ionic and Doric orders.A small tower on the left side of the
facade contained the large church bell, which in 1942 was
destroyed by an earthquake
 The Basilica’s size and Baroque façade are
awe-inspiring. Its extraordinary structure is, even more,
captivating with the addition of dome ceilings hand-
painted with intricate detail. Perhaps the most outstanding
element is the illuminating altar wall made with shining
sterling silver and gold, symbolizing the sacred liberation
of the tabernacle.
The nave as complemented by its high ceiling and
intricate hand paintings as ornaments even more enhanced
the beauty of the church.  Main attraction as well (if
attraction it could be said) is the silver tabernacle, said to be
the only one of its kind in the country. The old facade has a
rustic and quaint appearance, while the new one is built up
with brick and mortar walls. The inside of the church is
spacious, airy, peaceful, and clean. Everyone will be
fascinated with its elegant altar, glorious dome, and ornate
ceiling.
The Impressively beautiful interior, with its ceiling and
dome, truly a master piece.