"Fascinating Town of Taal" Top 5 Page for this destination Taal by cyndymc

Taal Travel Guide: 41 reviews and 151 photos

Spanish-Style House of a Heroine in Taal

Taal, A National Heritage Site

Taal is the oldest town of Batangas Province, and was declared by UNESCO as a Heritage Site for being one of the only 2 remaining culturally preserved sites of Spanish colonial era.

History records show that the rich and famous of Batangas converged in Taal, as evidenced by the stately ancestral homes that line the streets, some of which are still beautifully preserved.

Seat of Spirituality in Batangas

Basilica of St. Martin de Tours

Taal is the site of the biggest Catholic church in Southeast Asia, the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours. The Basilica's architectural design is a medley of religious, artistic and patriotic influences, often described as "theatrical exuberance". Its baroque-inspired facade is said to be made of a single mass of stone, shaped and carved with delicate, ornate designs, akin to the facade of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Site of Miracles of Our Lady of Caysasay

Photo Mural Shows Where It All Stated

The story of Our Lady of Caysasay starts in 1603, when a fisherman named Juan Maningcad found a small image, about 6 inches tall (which was later identified by the parish priest as the Immaculate Conception) in the Pansipit River in Barrio Caysasay, Taal, Batangas. Since then, many miraculous things had happened. Our Lady of Caysasay was regarded as the protector of the town and healer of the people.

During the most violent eruption of Taal Volcano that lasted for eight months, lava almost closed the Pansipit River, causing floods to the towns of Taal, Tanauan, Lipa, Bauan and Sala. The locals and parish priest sought refuge at the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay. Many towns of Batangas were buried in water; Taal was spared.

Last visit to Taal: Nov 2008
Intro Written Feb 7, 2009
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Reviews (6)

Ancestral Home of Heroine Gliceria Villavicencio - Taal

Down Memory Lane in Taal Things to Do (5)

One of the basic considerations in declaring Taal a UNESCO Heritage Site is the existence of well preserved ancestral... more travel advice

Students Pass Through Hagdan-hagdan Daily - Taal

"Hagdan-hagdan" As a Sacrifice Things to Do (5)

Since you are on a pilgrimage anyway, consider it a sacrifice to use the "Hagdan-hagdan" route to Our Lady of Caysasay... more travel advice

Arch of "Ang Banal na Pook" (Holy Place) - Taal

Get Some Healing Water From Miraculous... Things to Do (5)

My most unforgetable experience in Taal was when we went to the original site of the first miracle of Our Lady of... more travel advice

Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Caysasay... Things to Do (5)

While in Taal, visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, and lift up your personal prayer intentions to her. Our Lady... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Walking Instead of Riding a Vehicle

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Comments (2)

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cachaseiro Jan 10, 2010 at 2:35 AM

i am thinking a lot about going to taal in march where i will probaply have a few days in the phillippines. i would also like to climb the nearby vulcano if i get there.
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joiwatani Feb 12, 2009 at 5:52 AM

This is a great tip!