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Photo: Tagaaplaya, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A pilgrimage site just north of the heritage town containing a venerated image of the Virgin Mary. It is on a low ground; one can descend to it from the historical center city over the with a flight of 125 steps (San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps). The church reopened in 2024 following a major restoration program to undo damage caused by earthquakes and the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption, with the drab modern facade replaced in favor of its original colonial-era frontage made of coral stone. To access the Virgin Mary, take the stairs at the back of the church leading to a small chapel, where devotees hold their prayers and touch the glass screen protecting the image.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay is a coral-hewn Roman Catholic chapel in Barrio Caysasay in Taal, Batangas, belonging to the Archdiocese of Lipa in the Philippines. It was built in 1639 by Fr. Alonso Rodriguez to replace a temporary structure built in 1611. The church is home to Our Lady of Caysasay whose feast day is celebrated every December 8.
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Basilica Minor of St. Martin of Tours
A fine old church built in Spanish times to replace the one in San Nicolas that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. The front has a neoclassical facade with lots of columns; the back of the building has high windowless stone walls and looks more like a medieval European fortress than a church. A sign in front of it says it is the largest Catholic church in Asia.
This house, in Bahay na bato style, was restored by Dr. Martin Ylagan-de la Rosa and his wife in 1995-1997. Since it is a private house, visits must be by special arrangement only. Temporarily closed as of October 2023.
Gregorio Agoncillo Mansion
The stately American colonial “White House” contains a collection of beautiful hardwood antique furniture and personal artifacts. The house is in very good shape. It is preserved by Don Gregorio Agoncillo Foundation in honor of Gregorio’s daughter, Corazon Agoncillo. It seems closed but when you stand in front of the gate long enough, a caretaker appears, let you in and guides you through the house.