Taal Basilica, Religious basilica in Taal, Philippines.
The Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours is a house of worship in Taal, Philippines. The neoclassical structure in pale stone reaches 88 meters in length and 48 meters in width.
The first building from 1575 stood near Taal Lake until a volcanic eruption destroyed it in 1754. Reconstruction took place on higher ground where the house of worship stood safer.
The patron is a French saint from the 4th century whose veneration survived the Spanish colonial period. Worshippers have their vehicles blessed before Sunday service and ask for protection on the roads.
Visitors should keep shoulders and knees covered before entering the interior. Weekends and religious holidays bring larger crowds.
The ceiling displays European tiles that arrived by sea from Spain. The main altar was designed by an architect from Manila who worked with Filipino craftsmen on Spanish drafts.
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