Basilica of St. Martin de Tours
Basilica of St. Martin de Tours
Basilica of St. Martin de Tours
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
137 reviews
Excellent
84
Very good
47
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines10,221 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
Stepping into this church is like visiting one of the old renaissance churches in Europe. It is huge, beautifully decorated, has an imposing façade, etc. While an old church where it now stands was built when the town was founded in the 1570s, the actual structure dates back only to the 1850s. It dominates the old town because of its size and location. Outside you'll find vendors selling candles and local delicacies, as well as spots for souvenir photos. Do take some quiet time in this church for a prayer and some spiritual respite when visiting the ancestral houses of the area.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smiles1899
United States72 contributions
Jan 2020
This is impressive. But, it's under restoration and doesn't live up to it's potential. I look forward to seeing it when everything is completed. I hope they update the inside as well. I visited during the holiday light display in Taal. I had a lot of fun. The light display is worth seeing. The church is on a hill over looking Taal.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel P
1 contribution
Jun 2020
It was indeed a great experience as I learned so much in the biggest Catholic church in Asia. Despite many challenges and calamities like massive earthquakes and typhoons, the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours still stands tall. The residents in the area were really accomodating as they welcomed me and my family like their own family. Overall, it was really an amazing experience and worth the visit.
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel Journey
Dubai, United Arab Emirates611 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
The Taal Basilica, canonically known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, is a Minor Basilica in the town of Taal, Batangas in the Philippines, within the Archdiocese of Lipa. It is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 88.6 metres long and 48 metres wide
Written May 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa S
Indiana131 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Great place to attend a mass and visit. Just sit near the electric fans so its not stifling hot. Beware of the candle vendors, they would hound you until you give in, especially the kids. Just say no and they'll get it.
There were a few trashed corners inside the church, where they stored broken tables of some sort, but it's towards the back so it's okay.
Try to get there early so you can visit their museum. They also have a small chapel next to the massive church where they probably do their adoration vigils/services. Even the restrooms (comfort rooms) are clean and the lady who maintains them is very nice and has info about the church as well.
The outside walls has the peeling paint, but the architectural details are still there. the wooden details above the columns in front that have fallen off are preserved in the museum.
The guards by the museum are very helpful, polite and welcoming. They encourage you to take a lot of pictures.
The grounds are well kept. There is a "TAAL" structure down the hill of the church parking, where you can take pictures.
We didn't get a chance to go up to the tower where the bell is because it was already late in the day but when you're in the area I also recommend the Our Lady of Caysasay Well.
There were a few trashed corners inside the church, where they stored broken tables of some sort, but it's towards the back so it's okay.
Try to get there early so you can visit their museum. They also have a small chapel next to the massive church where they probably do their adoration vigils/services. Even the restrooms (comfort rooms) are clean and the lady who maintains them is very nice and has info about the church as well.
The outside walls has the peeling paint, but the architectural details are still there. the wooden details above the columns in front that have fallen off are preserved in the museum.
The guards by the museum are very helpful, polite and welcoming. They encourage you to take a lot of pictures.
The grounds are well kept. There is a "TAAL" structure down the hill of the church parking, where you can take pictures.
We didn't get a chance to go up to the tower where the bell is because it was already late in the day but when you're in the area I also recommend the Our Lady of Caysasay Well.
Written June 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stephenco
Makati, Philippines56 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
I don't understand why this basilica has not been listed sooner in TripAdvisor. This could very well be the best attraction of the town of Taal.
Visit this basilica anytime and be transported back to the Spanish colonial era. According to my research, this is the biggest/ grandest Catholic basilica in the Far East, and I believe so, too.
It's undergoing renovations as of the moment, but that doesn't diminish its grandeur one bit. If you are not claustrophobic nor afraid of heights, climb the belfry and savor the view of the town below and of Balayan Bay as you will be standing at the highest point of Taal.
Donations for the ongoing renovations are greatly appreciated by the basilica's staff.
Visit this basilica anytime and be transported back to the Spanish colonial era. According to my research, this is the biggest/ grandest Catholic basilica in the Far East, and I believe so, too.
It's undergoing renovations as of the moment, but that doesn't diminish its grandeur one bit. If you are not claustrophobic nor afraid of heights, climb the belfry and savor the view of the town below and of Balayan Bay as you will be standing at the highest point of Taal.
Donations for the ongoing renovations are greatly appreciated by the basilica's staff.
Written June 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rossManila
manila274 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Located just in front of he towns municipal hall and beside the tourist info center. The church has a very nice location set on a higher place in the town proper. Once inside you can see its pristine grandeur with all the elaborate handpaintings in the walls and ceiling. Centuries old treasure of Taal. There is an adoration chapel on the right of the cathedral. A museum on the second floor outside is open to the public but there is not much to see though. But the open verandas have a picturesque view of the old houses with the green lush mountains as backdrop.
Vendors outside sell delicious yet cheap sweets.
Vendors outside sell delicious yet cheap sweets.
Written August 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSSantos
Quezon City, Philippines364 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
This is reputedly the biggest Catholic church in Southeast Asia (maybe even Asia?). And, just by looking at its facade as you approach, any doubt lingering in your mind will be easily erased. It is indeed one massive, awesome structure. Enter the church and you will immediately be struck even more by its sheer size. If you're lucky (and fit, mind you) to be able to go up the church's tower, you will be awed further by the fantastic, panoramic view of the town, of the famous Taal Lake and other sights up there. Bring your camera and binoculars. Tremendous photo-ops and selfies here.
Written June 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richie_Chie
Quezon City, Philippines7 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
One of the highlights when you visit this century old church is you can climb the bell tower. If you are a claustrophobic person this activity is not for you, but if you can endure it you will be rewarded with the beautiful view of the entire town and the taal lake.
Written May 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roderick C
Philippines34 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
It is considered as one of the biggest cathedrals in Asia. Renovation has just finished, this made the church brighter but the premises still needs some tidying up ( the grounds can be messy after a service). Just loitering around the premises is enough to give a traveler or tourist an idea about the importance of the church to the people of Taal and the Philippines. The vendors can be a little persistent in selling their wares and this can be annoying to some. But talking to some of them can be a rewarding experience because of the stories they can share. There is a small exhibit/museum that you can look at to better understand what the meaning and value of the Cathedral is to the Taaleños. Going on a Sunday morning is something to behold especially for a foreigner, the services of the church and the activities (vendors and their wares) in the church grounds is definitely worth visiting.
Written May 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
from St. Martin de Tours. . how can I get to batangas port???thank you
Written May 27, 2018
how to travel from manila to the St Martin of tours church?
Written April 5, 2017
I've used several modes of transportation on several occasions - bus or jeepney. Just locate a bus (BLTB or JAM) or major jeepney station to Lemery or Taal. This is cheaper than a rental car. Food vendors jump on and off for passenger refreshments.
Written April 5, 2017
How to commute from manila pls? Any suggestion also for cheap stay around the area? Thanks!
Written December 9, 2016
ride a bus going to Lemery Batangas and from there ride a jeepney going to Taal.
Not sure about the accomodation though since we only stayed there for a whole day trip. You can search here in Tripadvisor for any deals.
Written December 11, 2016
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