Tayabas Basilica | Inside the Key of Quezon Province
The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, locally called as the Tayabas Basilica was built in 1585 and is the biggest of its kind in Quezon Province.
The Key of Tayabas
After not finding any last-minute accommodation in Lucban Quezon, on the day of the Pahiyas Festival itself, I ventured back to Tayabas, Quezon where I spent the night. The following day, I made sure to pass by this church before heading out to Maapon Falls.
The patio of this Baroque-style church is wide and maintained well enough, even preserving the centuries-old adobe fences. Several stone reliefs are seen around the patio, mostly cherubs playing musical instruments.
This patio played a major role during the struggle of the Filipino revolutionaries against the Spanish forces.
As I laid my eyes on the almost eclectic style facade, it was peculiar enough for its three-story architecture and the plethora of influences on the small details.
The entrance door on the first level is flanked by recessed niches in Mudejar style – a style usually adapted by Christian craftsmen from Islamic Art. Moreover, there are Lion statues on both sides, most probably from the Chinese traders before the Spanish colonial era.
Furthermore, Capiz Shells are used for the three windows on the second level where the choir loft is located. Finally, stone-carved statues of archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are on the topmost tier.
Tayabas Basilica has a unique floor plan that resembles a key. Because of this, the Basilica is often referred to by locals as “Susi ng Tayabas” (“The Key of Tayabas”).
Longest Wedding March
If you are dreaming of having your wedding here, the church has an aisle length of 103 meters and has the longest nave among the Spanish-era churches in the country.
Upon entering you will immediately notice the Neo-Classical style retablos and the ceiling paintings – the basilica’s ceiling painting was restored in the 1990s by Delfin Antiola.
Despite its long history of being ravaged by natural disasters, wars, and revolutions, the present structure stood the test of time since 1895. Also, it underwent many renovations, six times to be exact; to further improve the integrity of the structure.
The belfry has a century-old bell and most notably, an 18th-century clock on the topmost portion. The basilica’s clock was erected in the early 1900s on the belfry; it is one of the oldest and largest church clocks in Asia.
In 1988 Pope John Paul III conferred the title Minor Basilica, which would be proclaimed at the beginning of 1989. Moreover, the National Museum of the Philippines declared Tayabas Basilica as a National Cultural Treasure on July 31, 2001, along with 25 other churches in the Philippines.
This stunning church is a must-visit for people of all backgrounds and even religions. What matters when visiting the church is the century’s worth of history embedded on its walls and the humbling experience of walking on its church grounds.
How to Get There
- Tayabas Basilica or the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel is located at Lopez Jaena St. in the town proper of Tayabas, Quezon.
- From Pasay Buendia, take any bus bound for Lucena Grand Terminal. (132 kilometers, 4-5 hours travel time)
- Upon arrival at Lucena Grand Terminal, transfer to any Tayabas-bound vans or jeeps (9.2 kilometers, 30 minutes travel time). Alternatively, you can ride the Lucban bound vans or jeeps, then ask to be dropped off at Tayabas town proper. from there, you can just walk going to the Basilica or ride a tricycle.
Updated May 28, 2022
