TAAL CHURCH
Basilica de San Martin de Tours.
This monumental church is the biggest church in the Philippines and in the Far East. Perched on an elevated landing in front of Taal Municipal Building. This church used to be in the town of San Nicolas. It was moved due to the volcano eruption in the mid 1700s. Originally built in 1575 in San Nicolas, abandoned in 1754, moved to the present location in 1755.
CAYSASAY SHRINE
According to folklore, an image of the Virgin Mary was found nearby the river by a fisherman in 1603, making it the first Marian apparition in the Philippines. Many miracles have happened since then, that lead into building a church on the spot where it was found.
MIRACULOUS WELL
The miraculous Balon ng Santa Lucia (Wells of Sta Lucia) is about 50 meters away from the church. A short walk on a grassy foot trail leading to a ruin, where a twin well can be found.
Going to the Miraculous Wells
According to the lady by the wells, the water from the two wells can heal. One heals the face and the head. The other, heals the body.
The first flag of the Philippines was made by a woman named Marcela Agoncillo, who was born in this town. A marker and a Museum were built in her honor.
TAAL
This town is full of history’s remnants. It has elements of a heritage town; old colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and an old church. Many historical accounts occurred in this town.
Francisco’s Café & Painting Gallery
Along the same street, where the Agoncillo Museum is a gallery café. A nice little revelation of a coffee hang-out in Taal. Great ambiance. Bossa nova music. Café’s specialty is the suman drizzled with vegan dark chocolate syrup. Many flavored coffees and chocolate mixed drinks to choose from.
