Those choosing Taal for a culture-focused stay can plan their trip around different highlights: the architectural history of the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, the religious buildings around the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, or the EL PASUBAT Festival. Celebrated every year in April, it brings together Taal’s distinctive products. Taal therefore offers both historical themes and an occasion centered on the town’s products.

Architectural history in the town center

The Basilica of St. Martin de Tours stands on a hill in the center of Taal. The structure visible today was built in 1856 under Fr. Marcos Anton; architect Luciano Oliver oversaw its design and construction. Its location and the named construction phase offer two specific perspectives on this landmark: its position in the town center and the history of its visible structure. Those interested in architectural history will find a clearly defined starting point here, without treating the year as the complete history of the building’s creation.

Caysasay: handover and buildings

On June 20, 2024, the National Museum of the Philippines handed over the newly restored Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay to the Archdiocese of Lipa and the people of Taal, Batangas. The handover is a historical point of reference for the Shrine. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check current visitor access in advance.

Balon de Santa Lucia, an ornately decorated arch and fountain structure, is located within the Nuestra Señora de Caysasay Church-Convent complex. A staircase of 120 steps made from pieces of Chinese granite connects the Shrine of Caysasay with Taal Cathedral. The two details offer different points of interest: Balon de Santa Lucia is a designed structure within the complex, while the staircase describes the connection between two religious landmarks. You should also check current visitor access for the staircase before your visit.

EL PASUBAT and when to travel

The EL PASUBAT Festival is celebrated every year in April and brings together Taal’s distinctive products. April can therefore serve as a reference point if you want to plan your trip around the festival. For specific plans, check the dates and schedule of that year’s edition.

Which focus suits your plans?

If the festival is the reason for your trip, use the relevant edition as a guide and check its dates before setting your itinerary. If architectural history is your main interest, the Basilica and the buildings of Caysasay offer different historical and architectural themes. In that case, checking current visitor access for the Shrine and staircase is a useful part of planning. This way, you can first decide whether your travel dates will be determined by the annual festival or your interest by the historic buildings.

Discover more destinations: Binangonan, Cainta, Morong, Padre Garcia, Lobo, Bacoor, Calauan, Mabini.

For the broader travel overview: Calabarzon.